Filipinos who have been stranded in South Africa, were told to keep calm and reach out to the Philippine Embassy there amid the imposition of travel bans due to the emergence of the new Omicron variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa said in a statement Dec. 6 that it is "fully aware" of the cases of Filipinos who have been stranded in South Africa and neighboring countries due to the travel restrictions.
With this, the Embassy is urging stranded Filipinos, who have not yet informed the Embassy of their situation, "to urgently contact them."
"Doing so would facilitate the smooth communication line between the Embassy and the concerned Filipinos," the Embassy said, adding that Filipinos may contact them through the Embassy's mobile or WhatsApp number (+27825569935) or via email ([email protected]).
It also appealed to stranded Filipinos to "remain calm and continue observing COVID-19 protocols amidst these challenging and uncertain times."
It also advised Filipinos to closely coordinate with their agencies or employers and travel agents on the rescheduling of their flights and to seek assistance from their sponsors on the extension of their visas in the foreign country.
The Embassy also assured the public that "it is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the Southern African region as it evolves."
"In line with its mandate to promote and protect the interests of overseas Filipinos, the Embassy stands ready to provide appropriate assistance and support to the stranded Filipinos," the Embassy said.