Gov't allows travel exemptions for some Filipino workers in Libya

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The government has approved travel exemptions for some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have existing and valid contracts with their employers in the strife-torn Libya, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said today.

The Aquino administration specifically allows household service staff employed by diplomats in foreign embassies; those employed by the United Nations and other international organization; and OFWs working off-shore in oil rig platforms, provided that they will not pass through mainland Libya nor vacation there, the DFA said.

Filipinos working for multinational companies, government hospitals and schools, as well as for the Libyan National Oil Company, and those who are married to Libyan nationals are also allowed to return to the North African country, it added.

But the department said that these OFWs need to secure a letter from their employers "guaranteeing their safety, security, and repatriation in case the situation in Libya deteriorates and imminent danger to their lives and well-being is present."

Despite the travel exemptions, the agency said that crisis alert level 3, which calls for voluntary repatriation of Filipinos, remains in effect.