Philippines suspends OFW deployment to Haiti

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the unstable security situation in Haiti, the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has been suspended, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

“The processing and deployment of both new hires and returning OFWs is temporarily suspended,” the DMW said in an advisory.

Worsening gang violence in Haiti has led to thousands of casualties and displaced people, with several areas close to famine.

On June 7, the UN Children’s Fund appealed for international aid to prepare Haiti for a dangerous Atlantic hurricane season that could be deadly for the island’s many displaced people.

Around 360,000 people in the Caribbean nation are displaced, according to UN estimates.

The Philippines placed Haiti under crisis alert level 3, wherein Filipinos are encouraged to contact the embassy for voluntary repatriation.

Filipinos in Haiti are advised to remain vigilant and restrict non-essential movement.