MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines allowed overseas Filipino workers (OFW) with “existing labor contracts” to return to Yemen after it lowered on Wednesday, February 12, the crisis alert level in the conflict-stricken country.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it will no lift crisis alert level 3, which entails voluntary repatriation, over Yemen.

The alert has been lowered to crisis alert level 2, what it calls the restriction phase.

“Under alert level 2, Filipinos with existing labor contracts may return to Yemen. The deployment of newly hired OFWs will remain suspended,” the DFA said in a statement.

“Filipinos in Yemen are still advised to restrict non-essential movements and avoid public places,” it added.

The DFA lowered the crisis alert level after the Philippine embassy in Yemen cited “the improving security and political situation in that country.”

Political transition

Raising alert level 3, the DFA in December urged OFWs in Yemen to come home after a suspected terror attack killed 7 Filipinos and injured 11 others. (READ: OFWs killed in Yemen back in country)

The latest government estimate shows up to 2,190 Filipinos live in Yemen.

Yemen, which the Philippines has placed under alert since 2012, is undergoing a political transition.

On Monday, February 10, state news agency Saba said a presidential panel has agreed to transform Yemen into a 6-region federation as part of these political reforms.

In terms of security, however, al-Qaeda militants continue to pose a major threat despite repeated government military campaigns against jihadists. – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com