POEA says deployment ban to Nigeria partially lifted
The ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Nigeria has been partially lifted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said Philippine Overseas Employment Administration 6 (POEA 6) Director Rhea Glynda Calantas recently.
Calantas said DOLE's Department Order (DO) No. 80-07, series of 2007, signed by Secretary Arturo Brion provided for the partial lifting of the ban.
The partial lifting, according to Calantas, based in the DO was done in the light of the improved security conditions in Nigeria pending complete assessment from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Calantas explained the partial lifting only allows the processing and deployment of returning Filipino workers who are on vacation and are going to work with the same employer in the same site.
"OFWs with new contracts destined for Nigeria are still not allowed to leave the country" said Calantas.
The ban was issued by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo after 24 Filipino seafarers were held hostage in southern Nigeria's Delta State on January 20 this year.
Eventually, the Filipino workers were released last month which was hailed by the President whose administration is for the security and welfare of the OFWs anywhere in the world.
Nigeria is reportedly one of the biggest employers of Filipino workers in Africa, with some 3,900 Filipinos employed there at the end of 2006.
(PIA)