OFW Deployment in HK, Normal – DOLE

The deployment of workers to Hong Kong continues despite the mounting protests and civil disturbance in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the labor department is yet to receive a recommendation from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) if the condition would warrant a temporary deployment ban, even as the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) is closely monitoring the situation.

“The DFA has not yet raised the alert level in Hong Kong. We are waiting for their recommendation before we make any action or temporarily suspend the deployment of our OFWs in Hong Kong,” Bello said during a media forum in Malate, Manila.

He also directed the labor officials in Hong Kong to provide him with periodic report on the situation and should tension escalates.

The labor chief however advised OFWs to stay indoors and avoid going to areas where protests and tensions were concentrated.

“We urge our household service workers in Hong Kong to stay in their workplaces for the time being and avoid the streets where protests are held. We are closely monitoring the situation,” Bello said.

He also discouraged the Filipino migrants in the tourist country from wearing white or black shirts while on the streets to avoid being mistaken as protesters and prevent untoward incidents. (DOLE PR)