Despite the hurdles posed by stringent travel restrictions following the outbreak of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, 13 Filipino nurses finally made it to Germany to fulfill their aspirations to work abroad and support their respective families.
The nurses arrived in Berlin late July to take up employment in Germany through their German employer, Geras GmbH, as facilitated by its recruitment agency partner, Global Resource for Outsourced Workers (GROW) Inc.
The Philippine Embassy in Berlin arranged a reception for the Filipino nurses and their German employer at the embassy’s outdoor amphitheater.
Bryan Robles, one of the 13 nurses, gave a brief testimonial at the reception acknowledging the nurses’ mixed emotions in coming to Germany to practice their profession at a time when there are also health challenges back home.
Robles said that ultimately, the decision is a fulfillment of a long-term aspiration not only for themselves but also for their families.
Philippine Ambassador to Berlin Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega congratulated the nurses for making it through various hurdles as they prepare the next phase of their life in Germany: integration.
The envoy assured them of the embassy’s support should they encounter difficulties while there, even as she encouraged them to get in touch with the embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Berlin if the need arises.
Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz, who also spoke to welcome the nurses, also called on them to uphold the reputation of Filipino healthcare workers.
Employer Shaun Procter of Geras GmbH narrated the long process of bringing the nurses in, which he was first inspired to do after experiencing excellent service from Filipino crewmembers of a cruise ship.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that Somalia and Rwanda are now allowing inbound and outbound travel subject to flight availability.
In Asia and the Pacific, Laos and Japan still do not allow general entry into its borders as both have imposed stricter medical protocols.
Seychelles, on the other hand, imposes inbound restriction but allows outgoing travel, subject to flight availability.