Stranded seafarers in China to arrive Tuesday: DFA

“The repatriation of the Filipino seafarers is a product of the Philippine government’s determination to bring home any distressed Filipino abroad whether on land or at sea. Rest assured that the DFA remains committed to protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of our OFWs,” Arriola said. (File Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA – Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Sarah Lou Y. Arriola has confirmed that 16 stranded Filipino seafarers and three land-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from China are scheduled to arrive in Manila early Tuesday (Sept. 29) on a chartered flight.

Eleven of the 16 seafarers are from Ocean Star 86, who have been stranded in Dongshan since March 2020. They will be joined by five seafarers onboard M/V Maria P., who have been stranded in Ningde since July 2020.

Both are Chinese fishing vessels that were affected by China’s “no disembarkation” policy as a precautionary measure due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the non-availability of commercial flights.

“The repatriation of the Filipino seafarers is a product of the Philippine government’s determination to bring home any distressed Filipino abroad whether on land or at sea. Rest assured that the DFA remains committed to protecting and promoting the rights and welfare of our OFWs,” Arriola said.

The DFA, through the Philippine Consulate General in Xiamen, China, has been monitoring the condition of the seafarers since they were stranded.

The Consulate has been providing them welfare assistance and ensured that their salaries and other entitlements are provided for by their employer.