Legal Assistance Fund for OFWs

In another breath of fresh legal air, following a landmark legal triump of a Filipina Domestic Helper in Hong Kong for her permanent residency status, the Philippine government is fully restoring the legal assistance fund for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the 2012 budget.

OFWs have reason to be glad about recent legal news.
Image from Dreamstime Free Photos

What is the legal assistance fund for OFWs?

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) uses the fund to help detained OFWs by paying for lawyers, bail, “and other costs associated with going to court."

According to law, the fund should be formed by:

• P50 million from the President’s contingency fund
• P30 million from the Presidential Social Fund
• P20 million from the trust fund of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration

It will be run by the DFA's Legal Assistant for Migrant Workers, who takes charged in “the provision and overall coordination of all legal aid services to OFWs and other Filipinos abroad." [Source]

It is high time that the Philippine government prioritize giving OFWs their due legal aid. After all, they are an integral contributor to the Philippine economy.

Read more...

Saudization/NITAQAT Thoughts & Lessons

I spent the better part of my afternoon reading about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Saudization Program or NITAQAT online.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Coat of Arms
Image from wikipedia

NITAQAT is a major labor policy being implemented by the government of Saudi Arabia to address the large percentage of jobless young Saudis (citizens of KSA). The program compels private companies to increase the percentage of Saudis they employ, affecting all foreign workers including Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Under the Nitaqat, the Saudi Ministry of Labor will classify some 300,000 local companies into four categories: excellent, green (complying companies), yellow (partially complying) and red (non-complying companies), with each one required to employ a minimum number of Saudi citizens based on company size and the occupations of the company’s workers.

Yellow-coded companies will not be able to renew the work visas of foreign workers beyond six years, while red-coded companies will no longer be allowed to renew the work visas of their foreign workers.

On the other hand, excellent- and green-coded companies may recruit foreign workers who are already in Saudi from the red- and yellow-coded companies---even without the consent of the workers’ sponsors and even if the workers have not worked for at least two years under their sponsors.

Red-coded companies are given until December 11 to improve their Saudization ratios before restrictions come into effect, while yellow-coded companies have until March 11, 2012 to comply.

- Source: Interaksyon.net

The Philippine government - through DOLE & OWWA statements - are trying to allay fears on the adverse effect of the Saudization program. I am one of those who believe that it will have an effect.

There are some contentions among comment boards that the program will lead to the downfall of small and medium business in the kingdom because Saudis will demand a much higher compensation compared to foreign workers such as Filipinos.

Others are saying that the displacement of foreign workers will only be temporary as young saudis are portrayed as less skilled, less interested about the job, and are not hard workers.

The implications of this Saudization program to OFWs, their respective families and the Philippine economy affords us some important lessons.

• Work Contract Overseas is not forever.
• An OFW and his/her family should save money and should invest for their future.
• An OFW must strive to develop his/her skill to be more employable in other countries.
• The Philippine economy can not forever rely on OFW remittance for help, making it imperative for the government to make the country more suitable for small and medium enterprise to generate local jobs.
  
• Returning OFWs can help create local jobs by starting their own businesses here.
  

This site hopes that most, if not all, OFWs in KSA work on companies that fall under the excellent or green categories. That employers of those OFWs working under companies under the yellow category can comply within the time period allowed. And that those unfortunate to work for companies under the red category, can get absorbed by complying companies.

Otherwise, Saudization/Nitaqat affected OFWs would have no choice but return to the Philippines and compete with other hard-luck OFWs and jobless Filipinos for local jobs like this DOLE list.

Here a good article about Saudization/Nitaqat.

Read more...

Are You a Filipino Wanting to Work Abroad? Check out 76 OFW Friendly Countries identified by POEA

If you are one of the many Filipinos dreaming of gaining a highly compensated employment overseas, the Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration (POEA) listed 76 destinations that it considers "OFW friendly".

GMAnews.tv reported that POEA has identified the following 76 nations to be OFW friendly.

Albania Angola Argentina Australia ustria Azerbaijan Belgium Belize Bolivia Bosnia-Herzegovina Brazil Brunei Canada Chile Columbia Costa Rica Cyprus Czech Republic Ecuador Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Guam

Guatemala Guyana Hong Kong Hungary Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Kenya Laos Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxemburg Macau Malaysia Maldives Marshall Islands Mexico Myanmar Namibia New Zealand Northern Marianas Oman

Palau Paraguay Peru Poland Portugal Romania Russian Federation San Marino Slovak Republic Slovenia South Africa South Korea Spain Sri Lanka Suriname Sweden Switzerland Taiwan The Netherlands Turkey UK USA Uruguay Venezuela Vietnam

POEA named these nations based on three requirements provided for in RA 10022 (the amended Migrant Workers Act). Section 3 of RA 10022 that the Philippines will allow deployment if the host country:

• Has existing labor and social laws protecting the rights of workers;
• Is a signatory to and/or a ratifier of multilateral conventions, declarations or resolutions relating to the protection of workers; and
• Has concluded a bilateral agreement or arrangement with the government on the protection of the rights of OFWs.

The list does not contain the more known OFW deployment destinations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE(Dubai) and our southeast Asian neighbor, Singapore. Exclusion from the list does not mean banning of deployment.

Also, a number of countries from this list, can not be found in POEA's database list of countries with approved job orders. The POEA needs to work on updating them.

For me the list signifies that OFWs are a recognized workforce worldwide. I guess POEA just wanted to point out that there other countries beside the Middle East nations where a lot of tensions are going on at present.

OFWs should consider peace and stability when choosing a country to work for. And this list of 76 OFW friendly countries can serve as reference for them.

Read more...

Do's and Dont's in UAE for OFWs

Overseas Filipino workers in Dubai or UAE should conform to the prevailing customs and laws of the emirates.

Among the do’s and don’ts in the UAE are:

• Bathing suits are OK only in hotel pools and private beaches
• Men are also expected to dress decently with no bold overtones
• Absolutely no cross-dressing
• Holding hands and kissing are unacceptable and can lead to arrest
• During Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, people are expected to abstain from alcohol, dancing, chewing gum, smoking and singing in public during the day
• Eat/drink with your right hand as the left hand is considered to be unhygienic in this part of the world
• Don’t show the soles of your feet or shoes as this implies disrespect to others — that you are comparing the person to soles or ‘dirt’/’trash’
• If a Muslim is praying, do not walk in front of him or stare at him
• If you have not accepted Islam as your religion, take prior permission before entering a mosque
• Do not point fingers at others as this is considered disrespectful
• Taxi passengers should avoid sitting in the front seat of a taxicab; “small talk" can be misinterpreted as over-friendliness or even a form of propositioning by taxi drivers
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications are often considered illegal or a controlled substance
• Keep your medicines in their original containers and bring a letter from your doctor as well as a copy of your prescription with you
• Possession of illegal drugs, or the presence of an illegal substance in a blood or urine test, clothing, body, or in your luggage, could lead to arrest
• Don’t drink and drive; Alcohol is served at bars in major hotels but is intended for hotel guests
• Drinking or possession of alcohol without a Ministry of Interior liquor permit is illegal and may lead to fines and imprisonment
• Avoid making obscene hand gestures, using inappropriate (foul) language to a police officer

Source: GMAnews.tv

First time OFWs in UAE can learn more of the do's and don'ts with the planned released of a handbook. A 50-page passport size handbook has been prepared by Filcom, a community group in Dubai and the northern emirates. This bilinggual(English & Filipino) handbook will serve as a guide for Filipinos should behave while in UAE. 10, 000 copies of this handbook will be printed and will be distributed on June 10,2011.

Read more...

Good News for Taiwan-bound OFWs, Visa Restrictions Lifted. Factory Workers In Demand in Taiwan

Good News for Taiwan-bound Filipino overseas workers!

The recent restrictions imposed by the Taiwan government on visa applications of Filipinos to Taiwan has been lifted today. Work permits and visa processing will follow the usual procedures prior to February 7, 2011.

Among the restrictions were additional documentary requirement (Social Security System card) and lengthier screening process.

The restriction stemmed from the Philippine's move to deport 14 Taiwanese to China last Ferbruary 2. Angered, the Taiwan government imposed those restrictions.

In a letter to special emissary Mar Roxas III dated March 15, 2011, Taiwan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Chin-tien Yang said,

"To express our good faith in response to your visits and the most recent measures taken by your government, we are lifting the restrictions on visa applications for all Filipino workers, effective immediately, and will resume the method used to process their work permits prior to February 7, 2011."

Source: GMAnews.tv

Former Senator Mar Roxas III was sent to Taiwan in February 21 & March 14 to resolve the issue. The change of commissioner in the Philippine Bureau of Immigration was viewed by Taiwan as a form of apology. One, it demanded from the Philippine government when the row started.

This breath of good news for Taiwan-bound Filipino overseas workers would surely motivate them more to perform their jobs well in Taiwan.

As of this writing, approved job orders by the POEA for Taiwan show that factory workers are in demand in Taiwan.

Best of luck to all Taiwan-bound OFWs. To other Filipinos looking for Taiwan jobs, beware of illegal recruiters.

Read more...

DFA Alert Level Guidelines for OFW Deployment by the POEA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippine government issued the following Alert Level guidelines with respect to POEA's deployment of overseas Filipino workers abroad.

1. For Alert Level 1 (Observation Stage), a travel advisory will be issued by the DFA. The POEA will allow the deployment of overseas Filipino workers with new job contracts (new hires) and returning workers (vacationing or rehires) with valid work visas/resident permits

2. For Alert Level 2 (Caution Stage), a travel advisory would have already been in place and a partial deployment ban will be issued. Under this alert level, only returning workers will be allowed to Bahrain. Returning workers, however, must execute an affidavit that he is well aware of the security ris, but voluntarily proceeds to Bahrain.

3. For Alert Level 3 (Warning Stage) and Alert Level 4 (Repatriation), a total deployment ban will be implemented.

These Alert Levels were specifically implemented with respect to the situation in Bahrain. I think that these guidelines serves as true with respect to any country whose situation can endanger the lives of OFWs.

Read more...

Repatriated OFWs from Libya Gets A Few Good Breaks

Repatriated OFWs from Libya really deserves a few good breaks to go their way.

The government promised to grant them Php 10,000 financial assistance, loan assistance and to prioritize them for reemployment either abroad or locally.

The jobs or opportunities lost by repatriated OFWs from Libya may not be replaced. At least, not immediately. But, I guess, they can be thankful to be safely back at home and receive some focused attention from the government.

First, the displaced OFWs from Libya will get a finacial relief assistance worth Php 10, 000 thru OWWA. To avail of the assistance, they just need to present their passports or travel documents or two valid IDs with photo.

The availing of this one-time grant will only take a day and is now available at OWWA regional welfare offices.

Definitley, the financial assistance is a small sum. The government promised to provide loan assistance.

Last and more importantly, these displaced OFWs from Libya will be prioritized to be rehired for overseas employment as promised by licensed recruitment agencies who deployed them to Libya.

Should they decided to stay, they will also be prioritized for livelihood programs and local jobs as promised by the DOLE.

List of Repatriated Filipino Nationals from Libya from the DOLE website.

Read more...

Filipino Seafarer Claim Due Benefits, Aided by Phil. Consulate in Colombo

Join me in lauding the officials of the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Colombo in Sri Lanka for helping a Filipino Seafarer in claiming his insurance and back wages from a Sri Lankan shipping firm.

Mr. Henry Laguardia served aboard the M/V Brillante Virtuoso, where he met an accident and suffered burns.

The consulate there and, I believe his manning agency - the Status Maritime Corp- both helped Mr. Laguardia rightfully claim his due compensation and benefits from the Ceyline Shipping Limited who owned the ship.

This is a good example of the government and the manning agency helping our Filipino seafarers or OFWs in general.

Filipino seafarers are amongst the best when it comes to maritime skills. They rightfully deserve the support of the government and their agencies because of they are a big help to the economy and a source of pride for serving well in their capacity.


This DFA report was referenced for this post.

Read more...

OEC & Exit Permit Processing at SM Malls

Here's additional info about the (OEC) Overseas Employment Certificate or Exit Permit processing in SM Malls for Filipino OFWs on vacation during these holidays.

OFWs can proceed to Global Pinoy Center either at the 5th Level of The Block SM North Edsa in Quezon City or at the 2nd Level of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City until January 15, 2011 from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM [except on December 25 and January 1 ]. They will beasked to present their valid passports, working permits and other relevant documents for processing.

Documents of returning OFWs from Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon will not be processed at these venues. Deployment ban for the 3 countries is still in effect. Domestic workers bound for Jordan are advised to go to the POEA main office.

Again, this is good news for Filipino OFWs and their families as their much deserved vacation will not be interrupted entirely by the required paperwork processing. This time, the OFW can fulfill his/her obligation while his/her family can be nearby enjoying activities inside the mall.

Source

Read more...