IMPACT – HIGH

The Philippines has lifted a ban on travel to Hong Kong and Macau for Overseas Filipino Workers, students, and permanent residents.

Key Points:

  • Filipino nationals holding work visas, student visas, and permanent residence visas for Hong Kong or Macau will now be able to travel to those two territories.
  • The outward travel ban remains in place for mainland China as well as for tourists traveling to mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau.
  • The Philippines continues to enforce an entry ban on foreign nationals traveling from mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau. Authorities have said that foreign spouses, children and diplomatic passport holders will be permitted entry into the Philippines from these areas, but will be subject to quarantine for 14 days upon their arrival. Previously, only Filipino nationals and permanent residents were exempt from the entry ban.
  • The Philippines has lifted a ban on travelers from Taiwan, which was put in place last week.

Analysis & Comments: The change will allow a host of Overseas Filipino Workers, students, and permanent residents to return to Hong Kong and Macau after being unable to travel because of the coronavirus outbreak. Entry bans remain in effect for travelers from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, though officials are moving to provide a greater number of exemptions.

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