The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has temporarily halted the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Haiti amidst escalating violence and instability in the country. This suspension applies to both new hires and returning OFWs.
“The processing and deployment of both new hires and returning OFWs is temporarily suspended,” the DMW stated in an advisory.
Haiti has been grappling with severe gang violence, resulting in thousands of casualties and a significant number of displaced individuals. The worsening situation has also pushed several areas to the brink of famine.
In light of the approaching Atlantic hurricane season, the UN Children’s Fund issued a plea on June 7 for international aid to help Haiti’s displaced population, which numbers approximately 360,000 according to UN estimates.
The Philippines has raised Haiti’s crisis alert level to 3, urging Filipinos to contact the embassy for voluntary repatriation. The advisory also encourages Filipinos in Haiti to remain vigilant and limit non-essential movements.