The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday, Sept. 26, announced the lifting of the compulsory quarantine requirement for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and other inbound travelers from overseas places entering Hong Kong.
In a statement, the DMW said that starting September 26, the Covid-19 boarding requirement and quarantine arrangements for inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan have been adjusted.
Citing an advisory from the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), the presentation of a negative nucleic acid testing report before boarding at HK airport will no longer be required.
Instead, a declaration of the negative result of a self-arranged rapid antigen test (RAT) conducted within 24 hours before the scheduled time of departure should be made via the online Health & Quarantine Information Declaration of the Department of Health (DOH).
“Starting from 26 September 2022, all inbound persons from overseas places or Taiwan are required to register for undergoing a nucleic acid test by scanning the health declaration QR code upon arrival at Hong Kong,” the advisory read.
“After having their specimen collected for nucleic acid testing, the relevant inbound persons may proceed with the normal arrival process as directed. They can continue with immigration and customs clearance, claim their baggage and leave the airport by self-arranged transport,” it added.
‘Test-and-hold’ protocol for inbound travelers including OFWs and tourists from the Philippines and other countries no longer required.
Inbound persons are not required to wait for the test results at the airport after undergoing specimen collection for the nucleic acid test.
“They can take public transport or self-arranged transport to return to their home or their hotel of choice,” the advisory further stated.
Meanwhile, non-Hong Kong residents aged 12 and above should be fully vaccinated or have obtained a medical exemption certificate before boarding a flight.
Obligatory quarantine arrangements are not required anymore, except for inbound persons who tested positive for nucleic acid tests or RATs.