DFA Welcomes Home 79 Seafarers Aboard Last Flight to Clark During ECQ

CLARK CITY 02 April 2020 - The influx of repatriates continues as another set of 79 seafarers from Carnival Pride, Carnival Panorama, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Breeze, and MS World Odyssey were welcomed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) today at Clark International Airport.

The said arrival forms the third batch of crew members who were repatriated today, through the combined efforts of Philippine Embassies, DFA-Office of Migrant Workers Affairs, and the manning agencies, following the first set of 454 crew from Norwegian Dawn and Star and another 446 crew members of Armonia, Meraviglia, Seaside and Divina cruise ships, all from non-COVID-19 affected ships.

The seafarers underwent the mandatory medical inspection from the Department of Health (DOH)- Bureau of Quarantine upon disembarkation. The repatriates will undergo self-quarantine in their respective homes.

United Philippines Line (UPL), the manning agency of Carnival cruise ships, made arrangements for the onward transportation of their crew members.

The mass repatriation of OFWs around the globe during this COVID-19 situation remains a concerted effort of DFA and its partner agencies, notably, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and the DOH.

The Qatar Airways commercial flight which brought home the seafarers is the last flight to arrive at Clark International Airport, which will remain closed during the Enhanced Community Quarantine period until further notice. END (Photos by DFA-OUMWA)