STARTING August 30, 2021, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the Philippines will be allowed entry into Hong Kong upon presentation of a validated vaccination certificate issued by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ).

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III announced this on Sunday, August 22, saying around 3,000 OFWs are already waiting for deployment to Hong Kong.

Under Hong Kong policies, OFWs will undergo hotel quarantine upon arrival. The cost will be shouldered by employers.

Bello said the HK government was coordinating with some hotels, which will serve as quarantine facilities for newly arrived OFWs.

Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, previously allowed only those vaccinated there to enter.

Bello said the BOQ was already preparing a draft vaccination certificate bearing the passport details of the OFWs. (MVI / SunStar Philippines)