Workers relieved as Philippines lifts Saudi Arabia travel ban

Workers relieved as Philippines lifts Saudi Arabia travel ban

Workers from the Philippines are free to return to Saudi Arabia after employers in the kingdom agreed to cover the costs of hotel quarantine.

Hundreds of Filipino workers were left stranded at Manila's Nonoy Aquino International Airport on Friday after the government in Manila brought in the short-lived ban amid confusion over who would foot the bill for the mandatory quarantine measures for new arrivals.

Hotel quarantine usually costs around $3,500 – around a year's salary for a migrant worker.