Deployment of Filipino workers abroad down over 99% in April

The deployment of Filipino workers abroad has decreased by over 99% in April amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

POEA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia reported during a House committee hearing that new-hire deployments dropped from 30,592 to just 47, while rehire deployments fell from 128,183 to 667 for land-based workers and from 40,597 to 392 for sea-based workers.

Mr. Olalia attributed the decline to travel restrictions and the enhanced community quarantine measures that hindered crew changes.