Filipino Caregivers Against New Immigration Law in UK

Just a month ago, Filipino domestic helper in Hong Kong was in the news after winning her legal battle for permanent residency in Hong Kong. And now, Filipino caregivers in UK is protesting against the new UK Immigration Law that would disallow thousands of lowly paid migrant caregivers from settling in the UK after five years of work.

Kanlungan project staff Jamima Fagta, in an email to the Inquirer from London, said two caregivers, Lourdes Dizon Somera and Gundelina Ramirez shared their difficulties in obtaining their Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) document, which would allow them to live in the UK after five years of work.

The two explained to lawmakers how immigration rules affect them and their families, their work and the community as a whole.

Somera, who went to the UK five years ago to work and support her family and her younger siblings back home, said she was "devastated" when her application for ILR was rejected.

Read full story here.

There is quite a number of Filipino workers in UK including those with UK Student Visa.

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Mining & Gas Jobs in Demand in Queensland, Australia

For people currently in Queensland, Australia, mining and gas jobs just might be their ticket to a better future.

As reported by Jeremy Pierce in The Courier-Mail, thousands flocked to the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia for the first of five Mining & Gas Jobs Exposition.

Mining and gas jobs are in high demand in Australia nowadays. The allure of these kind jobs can be compared to the gold rush in the US in the past.

These jobs attract thousands of hopefuls because mining companies offer lucrative compensation. For instance, unskilled trade assistants and cooks can command a salary reaching up $ 80,000 while skilled workers could earn more than $ 110,000.

Young hopefuls see mining and gas jobs in Queensland as a chance to hit paydirt swiftly and set them up for life. Fly-in & fly-out work arrangements is another perk of these jobs.

There will be four more jobs expo following this.

Visit skills.qld.gov.au or call 1800 773 048 if you are currently in Australia and interested in getting mining and gas jobs in Queensland.

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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.

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More Jobs at YouTube this 2011

2011 is set to be largest hiring year in YouTube's history as the video sharing website plans to grow its personnel by more than 30%.

YouTube needs top talents to fill various key positions this year.



Jobs at YouTube include positions in the following areas:

• Administrative
  
• Advertising Sales and Customer Support
  
• Business Operations and Development
  
• Engineering Operations
  
• Human Resources
  
• Legal and Public Policy
  
• Marketing and Communications
  
• Product Management
  
• Software Engineering
  
• User Experience
  

YouTube is headquartered in San Bruno, California and is now a part of Google. Majority of these YouTube jobs will be based in its headquarters or in Mountain View, CA. Job openings are also available on other YouTube offices across the world.

I think that the most exciting work in YouTube falls on the User Experience division. It is the YouTube jobs that directly impacts those that regularly troop to the site to catch a glimpse of amazing videos.

Are you interested in working at YouTube? Click here.

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POEA Appeals for Loan Collection Deferment for Taiwan-Bound OFWs

The POEA thru Administrator Carlos Cao Jr. appealed to recruitment agencies and lending companies to understand the current plight of Taiwan-bound OFWs and defer collection of loan payments until such time that they are deployed and are able to receive their first salary.

Due to the rift between the Philippines and Taiwan that started last month, Taiwan-bound OFWs were required to submit additional documents before a work visa is issued. This resulted to longer processing time. Thus, it would be a while before these OFWs can afford to pay for their loans.

Taiwan-bound OFWs surely deserves some breaks in their current predicament.

Last week, the government has set up special windows in five key government agencies (DFA, NSO, NBI, SSS & PhilHealth) to help Taiwan-bound OFWs. Those special windows will help expedite the processing of documentary requirement in compliance with Taiwan's stricter regulations for issuance of work visa.

These efforts to ease the difficulties of Taiwan-bound OFWs are welcome. However, the best scenario would be the quick resolution of the Taiwan-PHL row for the benefit of these OFWs and their families.

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Currency Exchange Facility For Repatriated OFWs from Libya Set by BSP

UPDATE [April 29, 2011]:
For repatriate OFWs from Libya (or if you know someone) have only until June 30, 2011 to avail of the currency exchange facility (CEF) to convert their Libyan Dinars to peso after the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)decided to terminate the CEF by July 1, 2011.

UPDATE [March 11, 2011]:

OFWs (from Libya) who went back to the Philippines, prior to the voluntary repatriation announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs on February 24, 2011, are not considered repatriated due to conflict, and therefore, not entitled to receive the Php 10, 000.00 grant.

- OWWA Memorandum of Instruction No. 001-B series of 2011

UPDATE [March 7, 2011]:

The BSP will accept Libyan dinar for conversion to Philippine pesos starting Monday, 07 March 2011 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. using the BSP exchange rates published daily in the BSP Reference Exchange Rate Bulletin.

The BSP and the banks require the OFWs to present pertinent documents such as passport or valid travel papers issued and signed by the Philippine Embassy and stamped with the date of the their arrival in the Philippines.

This Currency Exchange Facility (CEF) is available exclusively for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) displaced by the current situation in Libya. Each OFW will be allowed to exchange up to a maximum equivalent of ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) in Libyan dinars.

- BSP Media Release

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) repatriated from conflict-torn Libya will have the chance to exchange the Libyan dinars they brought with them as the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved today the opening of a Currency Exchange Facility.

Their Libyan currencies may be exchanged with the BSP or other banks but only up to a maximum of Php 10,000.00 equivalent of Libyan dinars and only within 7 days upon arriving in the country. OFWs who intend to do so will be asked to present documentary proof of their travel from Libya, primarily, their passports.

The peso-dinar exchange rate will be set by BSP and will be posted daily in the BSP Reference Exchange Rate Bulletin.

- Source: BSP Website

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20,000 workers needed yearly in Manitoba by 2016

As a result of the renewed Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippines and Manitoba, Canada concerning cooperation in human resource deployment and development, more Filipino workers will have opportunity to work in Canada. It is projected that 20,000 workers will be needed yearly in Manitoba by 2016 due to it's to its low birth rate and aging population.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger signed the agreement at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel which provides a framework of partnership in the recruitment of skilled OFWs to Manitoba, as well as in their protection and their skills development.

"For us, it's an equal partnership. Nobody's better than the other," Selinger said.

Due to its low birth rate and aging population, Manitoba will need around 20,000 new workers annually by 2016, according to Baldoz.

Source: 20,000 workers needed yearly in Manitoba by 2016 -- labor chief

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Renew Passports Six Months Before Expiry

Here's a reminder from Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) - Renew Passports Six Months Before Expiry.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reminds the public to check the validity of their passports and renew them six months before expiry to avoid the hassle of getting a replacement in light of increased passport applications especially during the summer season.


A passport is valid for five years, but airlines and countries require passports with validity of six months prior to the expiry date.

"We urge everyone to check the validity of their passports, and renew them six months before expiry. This way, they avoid the hassle of rushing at the last minute to secure a passport, especially when they already need to travel overseas," DFA Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Jaime Victor Ledda said.

Currently, the DFA charges P950 for regular processing (20 working days) and P1,200 for expedited processing (10 working days). For those applying in the DFA's regional consular offices (RCOs), another four days is added for transport of the passport booklet from Manila to the RCO.

The DFA also reminds passport applicants to avail of the appointment system to ensure quick and comfortable service. Walk-in applicants are discouraged.

The DFA further reiterates that securing an appointment online is free of charge. It is warning the public against unscrupulous individuals charging applicants P200 fee for securing for them online appointments.

Applicants can check the passport requirements and secure an appointment at www.passport.com.ph or by calling hotline (02) 737-1000. They may also call the DFA helplines at telephone numbers (02) 831-8971, (02) 551-4437, (02) 551-4402, (02) 834-4855 and (02) 834-4424. END

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Raped OFW may get 100 lashes after miscarriage - www.gmanews.tv

Working abroad, in a country whose culture is entirely different from yours, is really tough. It is even harder if you are away from your immediate family.

Here's a case of a Filipina worker in Saudi who was raped, got pregnant and ended up in jail. While in jail, she suffered miscarriage and now fears getting a hundred lashes before finally being freed. The Shari’ah or Islamic law imposes imprisonment for women who get pregnant out of wedlock and, after giving birth, a penalty of lashes to be determined by courts before being freed.

And the rapist? Well, he's still free!

Read full story: Raped OFW may get 100 lashes after miscarriage

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Republic Act 8042: Heavier penalties vs illegal recruitment

Soon, illegal recruitment will have a tougher definition through Republic Act 8042 providing amendments to Migrant Workers Act of 1995.

The definition of illegal recruitment will now include:

reprocessing workers through a job order that pertains to non-existent work

work different from the actual overseas work

work with a different employer whether registered or not with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration

Penalty for illegal recruitment:

imprisonment of not less than 12 years but no more than 20 years, and a fine of not less than P1 million nor more than P2 million.

If the illegal recruitment is considered an economic sabotage, the penalty is life imprisonment plus a fine of not less than P2 million and not more than P5 million.

Read Full Story: Heavier penalties vs illegal recruitment

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Philippines' Non-machine-readable passports (Green) still valid until expiry date.

There's an email circulating around the net stating that Philippines' old green passports will no longer be honored starting January 2010. Please be informed that such claim is not true.

Filipinos can still use their old green or maroon non-machine-readable passports for foreign travel until their expiry.

This was clarified by Philippine Vice Consul to Dubai Edwin Mendoza in an interview with Khaleej Times after receiving queries from members of the Filipino community whose old green passports are valid beyond April 1, 2010.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), of which the Philippines is a member, has mandated its member countries to issue at least Machine-Readable Passports (MRP) by April 2010.[source]

Please note, however, that most if you are applying for Visa to travel abroad, you may be required to submit a Machine Readable Passport and your old green passport will no longer be accepted.

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Recruiter sexually abused Filipina workers

Here's another case of sexual abuse against Filipina workers in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Two Filipino female workers are preparing to file rape charges against their Arab recruiter in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, even as 20 more workers sought to be rescued from the same recruitment agency over reports that they have been sexually abused too, a global alliance of migrant workers said on Monday.

Read Full Story: Recruiter sexually abused Filipina workers

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US Embassy Closed Today - Sept 28,2009

The US Embassy in Manila is closed today, Sept. 28, 2009 due to floods, according US Ambassador Kristie Kenney. Metro Manila was hit badly the typhoon Ondoy and had caused an epic flood.

Those with appointments may call 1-909-101-78-78 to reschedule.

Aside from the $50K donated for immediate 'Ondoy' relief, US embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson said US Navy personnel and inflatable boats went to the Marikina River, en route to Cainta, to help the military and the National Disaster Coordinating Council in their search and rescue of people.

References: US embassy closed Monday due to floods and US embassy donates $50K for immediate 'Ondoy' relief.

Here's an appeal for Typhoon Ondoy Victims.

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Somali pirates free 22 Filipino seamen

MANILA, Philippines--The local manning agency of Greek-owned hijacked vessel MV Irene confirmed to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday the release of the ship and its crew that includes 22 Filipinos by Somali pirates.

Source: Somali pirates free 22 Filipino seamen

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Italy: Amnesty for illegal migrant workers

Illegal migrant workers in Italy may now avail of amnesty program. Amnesty Processing Fee is Five Hundred Euro (€500 ) or about P34,000.00.

I saw this news from TV Patrol and actually captured a picture from a our television screen.



Here's a news article (Italy grants amnesty to illegal migrant workers) from abs-cbnnews.com

Thousands of undocumented Filipino workers may soon find themselves legally staying in Italy when the Italian government grants them amnesty.

Reports said that a new law will soon be enforced that would give amnesty or regularize illegal migrant workers in the service sector including caregivers.

Employers need to pay a processing fee amounting to 500 Euros or P34,000 to legitimize the stay of the their worker.

This Amnesty program for illegal migrant workers in Italy is expected to be implemented in September. That means illegal migrant workers in Italy have at least two more months to save money for the processing fee.

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Going to KSA? Clean your electronic devices first.

You better get rid of those of Pinay Scandal Videos on your mobile phone, camera and laptop before going to Saudi.

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino workers bound for Saudi Arabia have been advised to make sure that no items in the electronic gadgets they are carrying are in violation of the host government’s beliefs and practices.

Migrante-Middle East said airports in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah are strictly re-implementing procedures in receiving migrant workers carrying electronic devices.

Upon arrival at the airport, the migrant group said all electronic devices are to be submitted for checkup at the immigration section.

These devices include cellular phones with camera and memory card, flash disks, external hard drives, laptops, notebook computers, iPods, and MP3 players with memory cards.[Source]

Say goodbye to your Pinay Scandal Video. And yes, that Batangas Scandal, too!

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Norway open to Filipino workers

Here's an opportunity for Filipino Workers withe experience in engineering and information technology to work in Norway.

MANILA, Philippines—Norway is open to Filipino professionals from the fields of engineering and information technology seeking to land a job there, Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Marianito Roque said on Monday.

At the same time, Roque also reiterated that some 99,000 jobs are still open to Filipinos in Qatar who have technical and engineering expertise.[Source]

For Filipino workers who want to seek employment in Norway, information about visa application is available at Embassy of Norway in Manila website (http://www.norway.ph/)

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Filipina Worker in Hong Kong With Swine Flu (H1N1), Critical

A Filipina Worker in Hong Kong is in critical condition due to Swine Flu (H1N1).

HONG KONG—A Filipino maid in Hong Kong was in a critical condition on Sunday in the city's most severe human swine flu case to date, a hospital spokeswoman said.

The 37-year-old woman, who arrived in Hong Kong on June 28 to start her job as a domestic helper, developed a sore throat and fever a day later, a spokeswoman for United Christian Hospital told AFP.

She checked into the hospital on July 7 and was admitted to its intensive care unit in critical condition.

"It is the most severe swine flu case that Hong Kong has found," the spokeswoman said. [Source]

Hong Kong is one of the common destinations of Filipina Workers, mostly domestic helpers and caregivers.

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US allows self-petition for abused spouse

THREE months after arriving in the United States, Laura married her United States citizen fiancé Mark. The couple had a harmonious relationship until Mark’s behavior changed a few weeks after the marriage. It started when Laura insisted on having the petition for immigrant visa filed on her behalf. Mark began completing the documents but did not file these with the immigration service. Instead, Mark used this process to seek more sexual favors from his wife.

Read full story: US allows self-petition for abused spouse

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Beleaguered OFWs in Libya seek RP gov’t help

MANILA, Philippines—An alliance of overseas Filipino workers’ organizations based in the Middle East Sunday called on the government to help 122 OFWs in Libya who have accused their employer of illegally transferring their work site and making them sign new contracts that reduced their wages.

Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net

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