Philippines’ COVID-19 task force adds Gulf states to travel green list

DUBAI: Gulf states had been on Friday included on the Philippines’ inexperienced checklist of nations the place totally vaccinated vacationers, together with abroad Filipino employees, had been not required to take obligatory facility-based quarantine for not less than 5 days.

Underneath a decision introduced by the Inter-Company Activity Drive, the lead authorities physique coping with the coronavirus illness (COVID-19) pandemic, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE – in addition to India, Japan, and Pakistan – had been added to the inexperienced checklist efficient from Nov. 16 to 30.

The IATF additionally accredited a suggestion for arrival quarantine protocols to acknowledge and settle for the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination certificates of nations together with Australia, Georgia, India, the UK, and Samoa.

Expatriate Filipinos working in Gulf nations have been clamoring for Philippine authorities so as to add their host states to the inexperienced journey checklist in time for Christmas and new yr vacation celebrations, historically a interval when many journey dwelling to spend time with their households.

Earlier than the Gulf nations’ inclusion on the inexperienced checklist, totally vaccinated OFWs originating from them are required to remain in a lodge or a facility for quarantine till they’ve acquired a adverse polymerase chain response take a look at taken on their fifth day upon arrival. They’re then required to bear dwelling quarantine till their tenth day.

OFWs may also select to forgo institutional quarantine if they supply a adverse PCR take a look at end result inside 72 hours previous to their flight however should self-monitor for any signs till their 14th day within the nation.

Some OFWs shunned journey as a result of their meant keep within the Philippines could be lower than two weeks, the required interval for monitoring COVID-19.

Shiloh, a amenities supervisor in Abu Dhabi, stated the announcement was “positively” excellent news for Filipinos. “I’m hopeful the inexperienced checklist designation will likely be prolonged till Christmas and new yr for these planning to go dwelling to have a significant celebration with their households,” he added.

Nevertheless, he had moved again his personal journey plans to subsequent yr due to the late IATF choice, and the excessive price of flight tickets.

Pleasure, a Dubai-based insurance coverage firm employee, stated: “I’ll go dwelling perhaps early subsequent yr, since I needed to plan my journey so it won’t have an effect on my work. On the similar time, I’ve already conceded there will likely be no likelihood to rejoice Christmas with my household this yr.”