8 agencies prevented from OFW recruitment

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration issued preventive suspension orders against eight recruitment agencies found to have provided fraudulent documents to their recruited workers who were eventually barred by the Bureau of Immigration from leaving the country.

DFA Obtains European Reprieve for Filipino Seafarers

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that the European Commission Directorate General for Mobility and Transport (DGMOVE) acted favorably on the DFA’s request for additional time to allow the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) of the Philippines to implement structural and policy changes to meet regulatory standards set by the 1978 International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended (STCW Convention). 

PHL to extend visa-free privilege from 21 to 30 days

Beginning August 1, 2013, nationals from 151 countries with visa-free privilege can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days from the previous period of 21 days.

Iraq, Yemen, Eretria deployment ban lifted

Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that the Governing Board of POEA has lifted the ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Iraq, Yemen, and Eretria and will now allow to leave OFWs who would like to work in these countries.

Recruiters warned on HSW protection failure

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) yesterday reiterated that recruitment agencies shall be held accountable for incidents of abuse, exploitation, or breach of
contract committed by household employers against Filipino household service workers (HSWs).