After suspending the hiring of Filipino workers in April, Libya is partially lifting its ban on Filipino workers that was imposed due to concern over Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), the Department of Foreign Affairs said on a note dated May 24.

"Effective May 23, the temporary suspension order for Filipino workers of Western Jamahiriya Gas Projects bound for Libya are lifted," the note states.

This move by the Libyan government was done after World Health Organization removed the Philippines from its SARS-infected countries watchlist.

The ban, however, stays for other Filipino workers who are not involved in the gas project.