OVERSEAS Filipino workers (OFWs) are no longer prohibited from being deployed to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In its Advisory No. 28-2024, the DMW said all types of OFWs are now allowed to be deployed to the northwest African nation.

“The public is hereby advised that Mauritania is excluded from the list of restricted markets,” said the DMW.

“The processing of the deployment of newly hired and returning Filipino workers with valid and existing contracts to Mauritania shall now be allowed,” it added.

It said the green light is anchored on the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) issuance of a Certificate of Compliance for the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (Mauritania).

The certificate, the DMW explained, guarantees the rights of foreign workers as required by Republic Act No.10022 or the amended Migrant Workers Act.

“Based on the Certificate of Compliance, Mauritania has existing labor and social laws which protect the rights of workers, including migrant workers,” said the DMW.

Records show there are less than 100 OFWs based in Mauritania, and are mostly working in the fishing sector, copper mines, and salons.