KUALA LUMPUR - The United Arab Emirates has been placed under Alert Level 2, prompting the Department of Migrant Workers of Philippines to impose a deployment ban on newly hired overseas Filipino workers.

During a Palace briefing, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the alert levels are determined by the Department of Foreign Affairs, as reported by The Filipino Times.

Based on the latest advisory, Alert Level 2 is currently in effect in the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Lebanon remains under Alert Level 3, while Jordan is under Alert Level 1 and Oman has no alert level.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said mandatory evacuation is enforced only under Alert Level 4, but Alert Level 2 is sufficient to trigger a deployment ban.

“Alert Level 4 is mandatory evacuation, but Alert Level 2 is good enough to impose a deployment ban, especially for newly hired workers, and at the DMW side, we will take appropriate action to enforce or implement the alert level,” he said.

Under Alert Level 2, non-essential travel is restricted and Filipinos are advised to avoid mass gatherings and prepare for possible evacuation.

The deployment ban applies only to newly hired workers, while those already employed may continue working subject to safety advisories.

Cacdac said Iraq and Syria remain under Alert Level 4, which requires mandatory evacuation.

He added that Iran may be placed under Alert Level 3 or 4, pending official confirmation.

The government said it continues to closely monitor developments in the region to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipinos overseas.