FILIPINO seafarers need to present negative tests for COVID-19 before they are allowed to enter China, according to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
“All Chinese and foreign seafarers coming from the Philippines to China are requested to provide the negative COVID-19 nucleic acid testing results within three days before boarding (their ships),” said POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia.
“Without such negative testing results, the seafarers may be denied entry into China,” he added.
Olalia said the new requirement is necessary for the maritime relations between China and the Philippines to continue.
“In order to ensure the security of maritime transportation and fishery cooperation between China and the Philippines, the government of China has imposed new requirements for all seafarers coming from the Philippines,” he said.
Olalia said the new requirement was prompted by the entry of more than 20 Filipino seafarers in China who have tested positive for COVID-19.
“Since July 2020, 23 Filipino seafarers have tested positive for COVID-19 when they arrived in China,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs said five more countries have lifted inbound restrictions on Filipino travelers amid the COVID-19 pandemic. They are Brazil, Kiribati, United Kingdom, Benin and Chad.
