DFA restricts new deployment of OFWs to Sri Lanka

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has raised an Alert Level 2 status in Sri Lanka, which means no new deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will be allowed, amid protests brought by economic crisis in the South Asian country.

Under Alert Level 2, also called a Restriction Phase, only OFWs with existing contracts will be allowed to go there.

In a statement on Saturday, DFA said it is “in constant coordination with the Filipino community in Sri Lanka in light of the mass protests in the country due to the ongoing economic crisis.”

Citing information from the Philippine Embassy in Dhaka, DFA said no Filipino has been reported injured during the recent violent protests. But it will still provide assistance to those in need.

“The Department would like to emphasize that there are no plans yet to evacuate Filipinos from Sri Lanka at this time,” DFA added, reminding Filipinos to remain at home, refrain from joining mass movements and avoid areas with protests.

Sri Lanka has been undergoing an economic crisis, which eventually triggered mass protests and the resignation of its president.