Hong Kong requires Filipinos to submit a negative COVID-19 test and quarantine booking before they are allowed entry. This will surely add another burden for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) but this is the only way that they can enter Hong Kong and get back to their jobs.
Hong Kong COVID Requirements
The Philippines is among the 7 countries whose citizens will have to submit negative results for coronavirus swab test as well as booking for a hotel that will be used for the 14-day quarantine. The travel regulation takes effect on July 25, 2020.
Countries included in the list are Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa.
To gain entry to Hong Kong, the citizens of these above-mentioned countries have to submit the following documents:
Certificate or letter written in English or Chinese issued by a laboratory or any healthcare institution that shows the traveler tested negative through a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test within 72 hours before their scheduled departure for Hong Kong; this should bear the name and passport number of the traveler
- The original report of the test issued by the laboratory or healthcare institution bearing the name and passport number of the traveler
- Letter in English or Chinese issued by the government certifying the laboratory or institution is recognized and approved by the government
- Aside from the relevant documents pertaining to the test results, Filipinos and the other nationalities listed above must also submit confirmed reservations for a hotel room which will be used for the quarantine period.
The room should have been booked for at least 14 consecutive days, starting on the day that the traveler arrives in Hong Kong.
Since Hong Kong also requires airlines to submit a list of passengers confirmed to have these documents on hand, prepare to show these to the airline upon booking, if required.
Some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) express concern over the required test, especially because it should have been done within 72 hours before departure.
Considering that swab test results often take several days to be released in the Philippines, this could cause a major problem to Filipino travelers and OFWs heading for Hong Kong.
OFWs in Hong Kong
Comprising the largest ethnic minority in Hong Kong, it is estimated that there are over 130,000 Filipinos in Hong Kong. Most of them are domestic helpers.
