Initial Deployment Ban on Workers Bound for Iraq and Afghanistan (2007)
- On December 17, 2007, the POEA Governing Board, based on the DFA's recommendation, suspended processing and deployment of all workers bound for Iraq and Afghanistan.
- The suspension was due to unstable peace and order situations in these countries.
Partial Lifting of Deployment Ban (2011)
- On September 2, 2011, the POEA Governing Board partially lifted the ban in Iraq and Afghanistan per DFA recommendation.
- Workers inside American military camps and facilities were allowed to finish existing contracts.
- Extensions or renewals of contracts could be done onsite.
- Workers who returned home before contract expiration were allowed redeployment to finish contracts.
DFA Security Advisory and Total Ban on Returning/Vacationing OFWs (2014)
- On July 8, 2014, DFA issued Alert Level 3 (Voluntary Repatriation Phase) for Afghanistan due to heightened tensions following the June 14, 2014 presidential elections.
- On July 9, 2014, POEA Governing Board imposed a total ban on processing and deployment of all returning/vacationing OFWs bound for Afghanistan.
- The deployment ban on new hires for Afghanistan (from 2007 resolution) remained in force.
DFA Recommendation for Deployment Ban Exemptions (July 2014)
- On July 21, 2014, the DFA recommended exemptions from the deployment ban for certain categories of Filipino workers returning to or vacationing in Afghanistan.
- Conditions include having existing and valid contracts and employer-issued letters of guarantee/undertaking covering safety, security, and repatriation guarantees.
Categories Allowed for Deployment Despite Ban
- Workers employed by diplomats, foreign embassies, missions, United Nations, and other International Organizations.
- Workers inside American and NATO military camps and facilities, including those working for American and NATO contractors.
- Workers employed by the Afghan Government.
- OFWs married to Afghan nationals.
Resolution Allowing Processing and Deployment with Compliance
- The POEA Governing Board resolved to allow processing and deployment of the aforementioned categories subject to compliance with stipulated requirements.
- The resolution aims to balance national interest, worker safety, and operational needs in Afghanistan.
Implementation and Effective Date
- The resolution took effect upon its adoption on August 1, 2014, and was duly signed by the Chairperson and members of the POEA Governing Board.
- It mandates immediate compliance to ensure proper regulation and monitoring of the deployment process to Afghanistan.