http://www.ofwguide.com/rss/ofw_news.xml What�s happening to the OFWs in and around the world http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2526/Physical-Therapists-and-Registered-Nurses-Needed-in-the-USA.html 2015-08-25 Looking for a job in the United States of America? Here's the career opportunity you've been waiting for! http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2523/Work-in-the-Land-Down-Under-with-These-Top-10-Jobs.html 2015-08-07 These job openings from POEA-licensed recruitment 0agencies posted in WorkAbroad.ph are up for grabs. Get the chance to work abroad in Australia to any of these overseas jobs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2522/Top-10-Jobs-in-Brunei-this-August-2015.html 2015-08-05 Collated from WorkAbroad.ph's database, here are the top 10 jobs in Brunei from POEA-licensed recruitment agencies this month. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2521/Top-10-Overseas-Jobs-in-Macau--the-Las-Vegas-of-Asia.html 2015-08-04 See the latest and hottest jobs in Macau for Filipinos. Jobs are posted by POEA-licensed agencies. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2518/ITANONG-MO-KAY-ATO----LEGAL-COUNSELING-GOES-TECHIE.html 2015-07-20 On 10th of July 2015, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Office of the Legal Aid (OLA) of the Arellano Law Foundation (ALF) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the creation of the Itanong Mo Kay Ato! This is an online legal counseling focused on cases of human trafficking, illegal recruitment and mail-order bride schemes, among others. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2497/Filipino-Spies-Remove-From-Death-Penalty-by-Qatar-Court.html 2015-06-04 Another OFW's life has been spared to death. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2495/Midday-Break-for-Outdoor-Workers-In-Abu-Dhabi-Come-June-15.html 2015-06-02 To prevent injuries caused by the scorching sun, UAE Labor Minister Saqr Gobash Saeed Gobash mandated that effective June 15 till September 15, all workers who are working outdoors are entitled to a two-and-a-half hour break from 12.30 pm to 3:00 pm. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2471/Top-Jobs-in-the-United-Arab-Emirates-this-April-2015.html 2015-04-20 According to WorkAbroad.ph's record, these are the top 10 jobs that are available in the United Arab Emirates as of April 2015. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2455/Facebook-Account-Required-by-POEA-for-Recruitment-Agencies-Deploying-HSWs.html 2015-03-23 POEA had required recruitment agencies to have a facebook account to update status of household service workers deployed for overseas jobs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2454/OFWs-Bound-to-Middle-East-Can-Soon-Choose-non-GAMCA-Clinics.html 2015-03-19 Overseas Filipino workers or OFWs to be deployed in Middle East countries can now have their medical examination in non-GAMCA clinics. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2429/How-Lucky-She-Is---Pinay-DH-Becomes-NY-Scholar.html 2015-01-24 A Pinay OFW, working as a DH in Hong Kong, is chosen to be a New York scholar. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1096/What-Kind-of-Diseases-Make-OFWs-Unfit-to-Work-.html 2015-01-15 It is therefore important to be aware of the list of diseases that would make OFWs unfit to work in Gulf countries. This was recently announced by the Gulf Cooperation Council-(GCC) Accredited Medical Clinics Association (Gamca). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2423/Japan-to-Ease-Employment-Process-for-Filipino-Healthcare-Workers.html 2015-01-11 Filipino healthcare workers can expect more job opportunities in Japan as Ambassador Ishikawa promised vice-president Binay to ease employment process and modify licensure examination. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2422/DFA--OFWs-and-other-Pinoys-Must-Leave-Yemen.html 2015-01-09 OFWs and other Pinoys are called upon by DFA to leave Yemen and return to the Philippines. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2340/DNA-Testing-for-Saudi-Based-Filipinos-with-Children.html 2014-08-15 “Mahalagang matandaan ng mga magulang sa fathers/mothers and children cases na ang positibong resulta sa DNA testing lamang ang tanging paraan upang makakuha ang inyong mga anak ng exit visas for your children,” the Philippine Embassy said. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2337/US-Memo-Can-Benefit-Young-Undocumented-Pinoys.html 2014-08-11 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) allayed fears of young undocumented Filipinos in the United States of a policy seen to lead to their possible departation. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2338/Government-to-Help-Filipinos-from-Libya-Find-Jobs.html 2014-08-08 Malacañang announced that the government will help repatriated Filipinos from strife-torn Libya in finding jobs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2322/DOLE-Probes-Unlicensed-Recruiter-Promising-Deployment-to-Australia.html 2014-07-02 The Department of Labor and Employment is now investigating an unlicensed recruiter allegedly promising to spend prospective OFWs to Australia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2321/NEW-REGULATIONS-OF-UAE-AFFECTS-DEPLOYMENT-OF-FILIPINO-DH.html 2014-06-30 Employment of Filipino domestic helpers to United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been affected by the newly implemented unified contract law for household workers by its government. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2290/Where-do-the-biggest-OFW-remittances-come-from-.html 2014-05-21 Which of these top OFW destinations are the top money remittance sources of Filipinos? http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2272/Schedule-of-Special-Licensure-Exams-for-OFWs-in-Middle-East-Set.html 2014-04-23 The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that the special board exams for OFWs, or properly labelled as Special Professional Licensure Board Examination (SPLBE) for this year will be held on October. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2234/OFWs-in-Hongkong-Urged-to-Register-Early-For-2016-National-Elections.html 2014-03-14 Filipinos who are working and/residing in Hong Kong are encouraged to register themselves as early as now for the 2016 national elections. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2222/ILO--Saudi-Signs-Minimum-Age-Requirement-for-Workers.html 2014-02-27 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the International Labor Organization has reached and signed an agreement on the basic minimum age for a worker in Saudi. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2193/Their-Climate-Is-Hot-And-They-Need-You-Badly---Aircon-Technician-In-Middle-East-Countries.html 2014-02-13 Middle East has been a dry place as it is broadly covered by arid deserts. And before summer in this region finally approach, Middle East countries are seeking the services of hundred of air conditioner technicians particularly in United Arab Emirates and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2173/OFWs-May-Get-Jobs-in-Japan.html 2014-01-27 Japan may seek help of OFWs for jobs in construction, management and child care in the country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2166/POEA-to-Issue-OFW-Exit-Clearance-Online.html 2014-01-24 POEA will soon let OFWs get their exit clearance at the comforts of their home and without going to POEA offices. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2157/Maritime-Training-to-be-part-of-K-12-program.html 2014-01-23 Philippine high school students may get the chance to learnt the technical skills needed in the maritime industry as the subject will be integrated in the K to 12 program for Philippine scondary schools. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2164/Want-to-Work-in-South-Korea--Take-the-TOPIK-Language-Exam.html 2014-01-22 To be able to work in South Korea, an aspiring OFW must take Korea's language profiency test called TOPIK, or Test of Proficiency in Korean. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2155/Malaysia-Stops-Hiring-Foreign-Workers-For-Fastfood-Outlets.html 2014-01-13 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) may find themselves short of one job opportunity as the fastfood sector of Malaysia will stop hiring foreign workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2154/Senate-Bill-Filed-Seeking-Loan-Grant-for-OFWs.html 2014-01-08 A senate resolution filed by Senator Cynthia Villar seeks credit or loan assistance to OFWs and their families. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2150/Philippines-eyes-sending-more-OFWs-to-South-Korea.html 2014-01-06 The Philippine government is hopeful that more OFWs will be deployed this year to South Korea under their Employment Permit System (EPS), only if the PH government can lessen or totally eliminate illegally-staying FIlipinos in South Korea. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2153/WorkAbroad-ph-and-POEA-Sign-MoU-Against-Illegal-Recruitment.html 2014-01-06 In their efforts to fight illegal recruitment of Filipino workers abroad, WorkAbroad.ph and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration have agreed to promote Filipino applicants' welfare upon job application. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2147/Philhealth-Members-to-Pay-Higher-Contribution.html 2014-01-03 The postponed increase on the Philhealth premium contributions of Philhealth members has now been approved and to be implemented by January 2014. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2148/OFWs-May-Take-Board-Exams-Abroad.html 2014-01-02 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are not licensed in their undergraduate degrees may get the chance to be one as the Professional Regulatory Board (PRC) offers board exams to OFWs without leaving their host countries. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2142/New-SSS-Contribution-Schedule-Released.html 2014-01-01 The Social Security System (SSS) released the new contribution schedule for self-employed, privately employed, voluntary and OFW members. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2143/Visa-Free-Entry-of-Filipino-Tourists-to-Myanmar-to-Take-Effect-on-January-4--2014.html 2013-12-27 Following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) of Myanmar and Philippine government, the visa-free entry of visiting Filipinos to Myanmar will take effect early next year. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2138/POEA-Warns-Against-Fake-Emails-Offering-Nursing-Jobs-in-Canada.html 2013-12-23 POEA warns aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers about a circulating e-mail offering jobs for nurses and caregivers in Winnipeg, Canada. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2136/Caracas--Venezuela--World-s-Most-Expensive-City-for-Expats-for-2013.html 2013-12-20 Venezuela's capital city, Caracas jumps to the top of the list of most expensive cities for expatriate workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2135/DFA-doubles-assistance-fund-for-OFWs-in-2014.html 2013-12-19 DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario says that the 2014 proposed budget for OFW assistance will get an increase to further help OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2134/Survey-Says-Egypt-is-World-s-Worst-Arab-Country-for-Women.html 2013-12-18 Egypt tops the worst list of Arab countries who limits the role of women in the society and in the nation as a whole. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2133/Filipino-Nurses-Are-Highly-Needed-in-Japan.html 2013-12-17 Filipino nurses may see a surge of nursing job opportunities in Japan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2130/Saudi-Issues-Rule-Against-Law-Breaching-Foreign-Workers.html 2013-12-13 Foreign workers will be prosecuted, penalized and deported if rules stated in the new KSA law were violated. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2119/Canada-to-hire-more-Filipino-caregivers-in-2014.html 2013-12-03 Filipino caregivers can expect opportunities to enter and work in Canada next year through the Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2122/Two-Recruitment-Firms-to-Help-500-Filipinos-from-Yolanda-affected-Areas-Find-Work-Abroad.html 2013-12-03 Internations Skill Development Inc., seeks qualified applicants from the typhoon-hit Visayas to occupy construction job positions. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2117/Updates-on-Saudization--Correction-of-Work-Status--Repatriated-OFWs-Can-Return.html 2013-11-27 Baldoz also reported that the nearly 39,000 undocumented Filipinos who were repatriated during the amnesty period are still welcome to return and find jobs in Saudi. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2111/Filipino-Domestic-Helpers-Exempted-from-Visa-Restrictions-in-Hong-Kong.html 2013-11-18 Pinoy domestic workers in Hong Kong no longer need to be worried about entering the city without a visa. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2109/Australia-and-US-based-Pinoys-to-Get-Free-Calls-SMS-to-Yolanda-affected-Relatives.html 2013-11-15 Filipinos residing in the US and Australia will get the chance to contact their loved ones as two telecommunications companies offer calls and texts free of charge. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2107/POEA--Satellite-Offices-in-Visayas-Ready-to-Process-OFW-Documents.html 2013-11-14 According to a directive from the Labor Department to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are residing in Samar and Leyte; the areas badly hit by typhoon Yolanda can process their working documents at the following satellite offices: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2104/How-Filipinos-Abroad-Can-Help-Victims-of-Typhoon-Yolanda.html 2013-11-11 Do you want to extend your help to the victims of typhoon Yolanda by sending donation but are based overseas? You can do through the following means: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2102/Saudi-Issues-New-Rules-On-Illegal-Foreign-Workers.html 2013-11-07 Undocumented foreign workers, including Filipinos, must abide by the new rules that the Saudi Arabian government imposed governing those violating labor and residency laws following the end of the amnesty period. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2101/DOLE-to-Illegal-OFWs-in-Saudi--Beware-of-Swindlers.html 2013-11-06 "I sternly advise illegal Filipinos in Saudi Arabia not to further aggravate their situation. Don't deal with swindlers and fixers," said Baldoz who said that while the extended deadline for the correction of stay has passed, the situation in the Kingdom with regards illegal Filipinos remains normal. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2100/POLO-Shelters-Undocumented-Filipinos-After-Saudi-s-Amnesty-Deadline.html 2013-11-05 Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Riyadh and Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are taking in for shelter and assistance Filipinos from all over Saudi Arabia who failed to correct their residency status after the extended deadline offered by the Saudi government ended on November 3. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2095/Binay--Saudi-Declines-to-Extend-Amnesty-Deadline.html 2013-11-04 Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) declined to extend its amnesty for “illegal” migrants. “Humingi tayo ng extension pero hindi naman pumayag ang Saudi government,” Binay told Radyo Inquirer 990AM in an interview. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2092/The-Middle-East-Is-The-Worst-Place-To-Be-A-Domestic-Worker--New-Report-Says.html 2013-10-29 The horrific story of domestic worker abuse made headlines — many more do not. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), there were at least 53 million domestic workers worldwide as of 2010. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2089/Tent-City-of-Stranded-OFWs-in-Jeddah-Removed.html 2013-10-25 Saudi authorities on Tuesday removed a tent camp for stranded Filipino workers that had been standing for more than six months near the Philippine consulate in Jeddah. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2088/PH-Wants-Iraq-to-Hire-More-OFWs.html 2013-10-23 The Philippine government is pursuing a new bilateral agreement with Iraq for the hiring of more Filipino workers in the Middle East country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2080/New-Agreement-Between-PH-and-UAE-Will-Benefit-Pinoy-HSWs.html 2013-10-20 An advisory from the Department of Labor states that the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates will soon sign a written agreement that would provide better protection for Filipino domestic helpers in the said Middle-Eastern country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1988/POEA-Orders-Closure-of-Two-Firms-for-Illegal-Recruitment.html 2013-10-18 The POEA orders the immediate closure of two firms namely Firststep Consultancy and Development and LJP Travel Assistance Agency for recruiting applicants for abroad without having a license from POEA. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2079/Proposal-to-Ban-Pinay-Domestic-Helpers-in-Hong-Kong-Gets-No-Support.html 2013-10-14 In an attempt to force President Aquino to apologize for the tragic Manila hostage incident in 2010, a political group in Hong Kong proposed a bill that would prohibits the hiring of Filipino domestic helpers in their country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2073/Domestic-Helpers-in-Hong-Kong-Not-Happy-With-the-Pay-Hike.html 2013-10-04 The salary of foreign domestic workers in Hong Kong has increased by HKD90, raising the monthly salary to HKD4,010. However, the salary increase which started to take effect on October 1 for all new contracts failed to draw a positive reaction from the group of workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2072/OFWs-in-UAE-Might-Soon-Pay-Tax-for-Remittances.html 2013-10-02 Foreign workers in United Arab Emirates (UAE) including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) might soon pay more when sending money back home as policies that would add tax on remittances might soon be impose in the Middle Eastern country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2061/Malaca-ang-Asked-OFWs-to-Re-Think-Decision-to-Join-No-Remittance-Day.html 2013-09-14 Protests and rallies are scheduled this month as Filipinos all over the world continue to make a statement of outrage against the national issue of pork barrel scam. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2065/OFW-Pardoned-in-Saudi-After-Paying-Blood-Money-Finally-Coming-Home.html 2013-09-12 After spending 13 years in prison and upon payment of Saudi Riyals (SAR) 700,000, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW), Rogelio “Dondon” Lanuza is finally coming home to his family. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2059/Group-of-Overseas-Filipinos-Declare-Sept-19-as-Zero-Remittance-Day.html 2013-09-10 To express their protest against the alleged pork barrel scam, a coalition of progressive groups of overseas Filipinos declared September 19 as “Zero Remittance Day.” The group is urging all Filipinos that are abroad to take a stand and join them on that day to get their message across. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2056/Sanctions-Awaits-Agencies-that-Fail-to-Protect-HSWs-from-Abuse.html 2013-09-04 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief, Hans Cacdac reiterates that recruitment agencies that sends Filipino domestic helpers abroad are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the protection of their deployed workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2055/Group-of-Agencies-Suspends-Sending-of-HSWs-to-Singapore.html 2013-09-02 A group of recruitment agencies announced that they are suspending the deployment of Filipino household service workers (HSWs) to Singapore. The Association of Licensed Recruitment Agencies for Singapore (ALRAS) made this decision in an effort to force their counterpart agencies in Singapore to implement reforms and to stop charging placement fees. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2051/New-Law-in-Saudi-Protects-Domestic-Workers-from-Abuse.html 2013-08-28 Filipinos who are employed as household service workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have a lesser chance to experience maltreatment from their employers as domestic abuse in Saudi is now considered a crime. In what is referred to as a landmark decision, government officials in Saudi recently approved the implementation of the domestic abuse law. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2047/Pnoy--Repatriated-OFWs-in-Egypt-Can-Expect-Job--Livelihood-Assistance.html 2013-08-22 Data shows that there are about 6,000 Filipinos in Egypt to be repatriated. However, returning migrant workers need not worry about losing their jobs as they are assured by President Aquino that they would get jobs and livelihood assistance from the Philippine government with the help of the Labor Department, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other government entities. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2046/DFA-Orders-Mandatory-Repatriation-of-OFWs-in-Egypt--Raised-Alert-to-4.html 2013-08-21 The visit of Foreign Affairs Secretary, Albert Del Rosario in Cairo Egypt prompted him to raise the crisis alert level in Egypt to 4. It is his second visit in a span of two weeks to personally check the security situation in Egypt. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2044/DOLE-Wants-Faster-Processing-of-Repatriation-Package-for-Distressed-OFWs.html 2013-08-16 The Labor Department instructed concerned government agencies to offer the repatriation package to distressed Filipino workers right on site- at the Filipino Workers' Resource Centers (FWRC) where hundreds are temporarily staying while waiting for their exit visas and plane tickets. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2041/Taiwan-Lifts-Ban-on-OFWs--to-Hire-More-Pinoys.html 2013-08-14 This development also resulted to more job opportunities for Filipinos as the government of Taiwan is set to hire more Pinoys. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2039/Taiwan-s-Ban-on-Filipino-Workers-Might-Be-Lifted-Soon.html 2013-08-06 The overseas recruitment sector is hoping that the recent report released by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding the death of a Taiwanese fisherman would restore the good diplomatic and economic relations of Taiwan and the Philippines http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2034/DOLE-Announces-Start-of-Bridging-Program-of-PHL---Australia-for-Nurses.html 2013-08-04 The Labor Secretary, Rosalinda Baldoz happily announces that the bridging program that will allow Filipino nurses and nursing educators (RNs) to practice their profession in Australia has started this month. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2032/POEA-Opens-OFW-Deployment-in-Iraq.html 2013-08-01 The POEA believes that Iraq is now a safe destination for OFWs, as Admin Hans Cacdac lifted the deployment ban that has been in effect for nine years. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2026/Labor-Dept-Encourages-OFWs-to-Go-Home-and-Invest-in-Agribusiness.html 2013-07-25 According to the Secretary of Labor, Rosalinda Baldoz, there are viable business opportunities waiting for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will return to the Philippines and that is in the field of agribusiness. The Secretary advises Filipinos abroad specifically those that are affected by crisis whether economic or political in Europe and Middle East to go home and invest in agribusiness. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2027/Pinoys-in-Canada-Frowns-About-the-Required-English-Test-for-Permanent-Residency.html 2013-07-24 Filipinos in Canada are complaining over the new rw rule that was set in July 2012 mandates all who want to come to Canada including those in semi- and low-skilled occupations through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to undergo an English or French language test. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2022/Gov-t-Ready-to-Assist-OFWs-Affected-by-Taiwan-s-Hiring-Freeze.html 2013-07-15 In line with the decision of Taiwan to suspend the deployment of Filipino workers, the Secretary of the Labor Department, Rosalinda Baldoz ordered the creation of a Help Desk dedicated for queries and assistance request of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that are affected by the hiring freeze in Taiwan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2019/DOLE-to-Displaced-OFWs-in-Taiwan--Search-for-Jobs-Elsewhere.html 2013-07-11 The DOLE chief also assured OFWs that are affected by the ban in Taiwan that many job and livelihood opportunities exist elsewhere. They are advised to consider local job openings. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2015/PHL-Embassy-in-Riyadh--Ramadan-Schedule---Exit-Visa-Assistance.html 2013-07-10 Everyone who needs assistance for the processing of their exit clearance is invited to go to the Field Office of the Embassy at Villa 24 Umm al Hammam District from Sunday to Thursday, 12pm to 5pm for the pre-processing procedures http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2013/Taiwan-Prohibits-Contract-Renewal-of-OFWs.html 2013-07-08 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan who are waiting for the renewal of their work contracts may be forced to look for another job opportunity elsewhere as the Taiwan government ordered the hiring ban on Filipino workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2008/Licensure-Exams-for-Pinoys-in-the-Middle-East-Set-in-October.html 2013-07-05 The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) will conduct a Special Professional Licensure Board Examinations (SPLBEs) for Filipino professionals that are currently working in United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in October. This is the announcement made by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2010/Saudi-Extends-Amnesty-Deadline-to-November.html 2013-07-03 Filipinos in Saudi Arabia without proper working documents are given another chance to correct their status and avoid punishments and arrest as the government of Saudi Arabia decided to extend the deadline of the amnesty until November http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2005/PhilHealth-Pilots-Primary-Care-Benefit-1-Package-to-DepEd-Personnel.html 2013-06-27 The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is piloting its Primary Care Benefit 1 package to members of the employed sectors starting with all teachers and other personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) beginning this June. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2004/Weekend-in-Saudi-is-Now-Friday---Saturday.html 2013-06-25 The rest days of workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would now be Friday and Saturday. This is after the decision of the Saudi government to move the previous Thursday–Friday weekend to Friday and Saturday. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2000/No-Less-than-Fair-and-Humane-Treatment-for-Pinoy-Migrant-Workers.html 2013-06-20 “Migrant workers respect the laws and culture of their host countries. Their contribution to the economy of—and their socio-cultural assimilation and integration to—the host countries help strengthen the foundation of global peace, security, and prosperity. Therefore, they deserve humane treatment and equal protection. This is the pathway for diaspora and development to serve as a bridge between societies and states,” she added. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1998/PHL-Opens-New-Office-for-OFWs-in-Taipei.html 2013-06-17 The Labor Department reported that the Philippines has a new office in Taipei and it will house units of Philippine government offices. Labor Secretary, Baldoz said that the new PHL labor office in Taiwan now houses DOLE, OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration), SSS (Social Security System) and Pag-IBIG Fund. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1997/Want-to-Go-to-Japan--Get-a-Multiple-Entry-Visa.html 2013-06-13 Filipinos who wish to visit Japan can now apply for a multiple-entry visa. This development is part of the effort of the government of Japan to increase their visitors from the Southeast Asian region. They are hoping to increase their visitors by 2.5 times from the current 2 million in 2016, which in turn will boost their economy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1990/Immigration-Consultants-and-Travel-Agencies-Offering-Jobs-are-Illegal.html 2013-05-28 Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said that under Republic Act 8042 as amended by the Republic Act 10022, offering overseas employment in the guise of visa assistance without the necessary license or authority from the POEA constitutes illegal recruitment. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1986/Good-News--DOLE-and-Saudi-Signs-Agreement-for-Domestic-Helpers.html 2013-05-22 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed an agreement to benefit Filipino household service workers or domestic helpers who will work in KSA. Under the new pact, Filipinos who will work as domestic helpers need not to pay placement fees and any recruitment cost. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1987/Saudi-Introduces-10-Mega-Recruitment-Agencies.html 2013-05-22 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) secretary Rosalinda Baldoz visited Saudi Arabia to signs agreement for domestic helpers and discuss other employment concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with the Saudi Ministry of Labor. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1985/POEA-Penalizes-238-Agencies-for-Not-Issuing-Receipts.html 2013-05-20 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has issued the list of 238 agencies which they punished for non-issuance of receipts to their applicants from 2010-2013. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1984/Kuwati-Employer-and-Recruitment-Firm-Faces-Suspension-from-POEA.html 2013-05-17 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has filed recruitment violation cases against Aim High International Placement and Kuwaiti employer Tanzifco Co. WLL after receiving complaints from 17 overseas Filipino workers who allegedly claims that they were maltreated. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1983/Taiwan-Freezes-Hiring-of-Filipino-Workers.html 2013-05-15 In protest over the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine coastguard last week, Taiwan has stopped hiring of Filipino workers and recalled its envoy in Manila. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1981/Taiwan-Warns-Philippines-to-Freeze-Hiring-of-Filipino-Workers.html 2013-05-14 The government of Taiwan is seeking for apology and explanation from the Philippines over the killing of a 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine Coastguard last May 9, 2013. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1979/POEA-Cancels-License-of-Two-Recruitment-Agencies.html 2013-05-06 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is serious with their pledge to monitor overseas recruitment agencies and file charges on those who will violate POEA rules and regulations. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1974/Canada-to-Accept-Application-for-Federal-Skilled-Program-Starting-May-4.html 2013-04-24 Good news to Filipinos dreaming to work in Canada! The Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has announced accepting of candidates for the Federal Skilled Worker Professional Program (FSWP) starting May 4, 2013. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1973/DOLE-to-Launch-Labor-Day-Job-Fair-Nationwide.html 2013-04-23 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced series of job fairs nationwide in commemoration of Labor Day on May 1, 2013. This year's theme for the Labor Day celebration is dubbed, “Maggagawang Pilipino; Handa sa Hamon ng Makabagong Panahon. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1972/VP-Binay-Orders-Faster-Assistance-to-Undocumented-Pinoys-in-KSA.html 2013-04-22 Undocumented Filipinos camping outside Philippine Consulate office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia now reach 700 according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). With this, Vice President Jejomar Binay call on speedy processing of the exit papers of illegal Filipinos who wants to return to the Philippines. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1970/Registration-Starts-for-Special-EPS-TOPIK-CBT.html 2013-04-18 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in cooperation with Ministry of Employment and Labor of the Republic of Korea (MOEL) will conduct a Special Employment Permit System Test of Proficiency in Korean (Special EPS-TOPIK) for Filipino workers who voluntarily returned home before within their permitted sojourn period and want to come back for work in South Korea. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1969/POEA-Temporarily-Stops-Accepting-Female-Applicants-for-EPS-TOPIK.html 2013-04-17 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has ordered to temporary freeze registration of female applicants for the Employment Permit System Test of Proficiency in Korean (EPS-TOPIK) scheduled in July this year due to slow demand of female workers in South Korea http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1967/Minimum-Salary-of-Filipino-Workers-in-Tawian-Increases.html 2013-04-10 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced minimum wage increase to Filipino workers in Taiwan from NT$18,780 (P25,813.30) to NT$19,047 (P26,180.29 effective this April 2013. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1966/POEA-Cancels-Operation-of-Three-Agencies.html 2013-04-08 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has cancelled the licenses of three recruitment agencies for violation Section 2e of Rule I, Part VI of the POEA Rules and Regulations which prohibits an agency to submit misrepresentation of documents. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1962/Consulate-in-Dubai-to-Cancel-Unclaimed-Passports.html 2013-04-01 The Philippine Consulate in Dubai advices Filipinos in Dubai to claim their passports before end of April. The consulate gives warning to cancel hundreds of unclaimed passports by April 30th that has been issued since September 2012 or earlier. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1936/Nominate-Excellent-OFWs-for-Bagong-Bayani-Awards-2013.html 2013-03-22 The Bagong Bayani Awards that aims to honor and recognize exemplary overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for their contributions to the Philippine society is now ready to accept applications. This award also seeks to improve the image of Filipinos abroad by presenting them as hardworking and dignified worker. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1960/New-Agencies-Suspended-by-POEA.html 2013-03-21 Overseas recruitment agencies face the risk of losing their license if they fail to comply with the employment rules on overseas employment set by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The news items recently released by the government agency proved that that they are seriously in punishing agencies that violate overseas employment rules. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1957/Pinoy-Nanny-Files-Charges-Against-A-List-Hollywood-Actress.html 2013-03-18 A famous Hollywood actress is set to appear in court to face harassment and unfair termination charges filed by a Filipina who used to work for her as a live-in nanny. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1950/Comelec-Returns-Voting-Rights-of-200-000--Delisted-Overseas-Voters.html 2013-03-11 The 238,000 Filipinos based overseas who were delisted by Commission on Elections (Comelec) can again exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections this May. The government agency reinstated their voting rights thru a resolution that was signed after a migrants group explained their side to Comelec Commissioner Grace Padaca and Comelec Chairman Sixto Brillantes. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1949/DOT-Wants-Overseas-Filipinos-to-Be-Tourism-Ambassadors.html 2013-03-08 In line with the “It's More Fun in the Philippines” campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT), the government agency is now encouraging the 9 million Filipinos that are working and living abroad to help them promote the good image of our country in international communities. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1912/PH-Wants-Lower-Placement-Fees-for-Taiwan-Bound-Workers.html 2013-03-06 With the aim to make things easier for OFWs in Taiwan, President Aquino proposes a reform that would lower the placement fee to only the worker's one-month salary. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1947/POEA--Deployment-of-OFWs-to-Iraq--Yemen--Eretria-is-Now-Allowed.html 2013-03-06 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) governing board stated in three separate resolutions that the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (0FWs) to Iraq, Yemen and Eretria is now allowed. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1942/POEA--No-Placement-Fee-for-Hong-Kong-Bound-Domestic-Workers.html 2013-03-01 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reminds applicants and agencies about the no-placement fee policy for all Filipinos that will be deployed as household service workers (HSWs) in foreign countries. The new reminder is specifically directed to HSWs bound to Hong Kong as some recruitment agencies are reportedly protesting the policy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1938/Group-of-Agencies-Halts-Deployment-of-HSWs-to-Hong-Kong.html 2013-02-28 According to the Society of Hong Kong Accredited Recruiters of the Philippines, Inc. (SHARP), they decided to stop sending OFWs, specifically the Filipino household service workers in Hong Kong. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1939/Labor-Quota-in-South-Korea-Decreases-Due-to-Overstaying-OFWs.html 2013-02-28 The Department of Labor and Employment (POEA) has appealed to Filipino workers in South Korea to exit and return to the Philippines after they finish their contracts in the country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1931/Love-Letter-to-Filipinos.html 2013-02-18 In the countries where I've lived and worked, all over the Middle East and Asia, it is Filipinos who do all the work and make everything happen. When I am working in a new company abroad, I seek out the Filipino staff when I need help getting something done, and done right. Your international reputation as employees is that you work hard, don't complain, and are very capable. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1922/Anti-Trafficking-Seminars-in-Provinces-with-Widespread-Illegal-Recruitment.html 2013-02-13 To inform many Filipinos about the reality and dangers of human trafficking, the POEA is set to conduct pre-employment orientation seminars or PEOS about it in ten (10) Philippine provinces where there are many reported cases of illegal recruitment. Some of the provinces where anti-trafficking seminars will be held are Isabela, Quirino, Batangas, and Pampanga. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1915/Survey-Says-Many-OFWs-Are-Not-Satisfied-With-their-Overseas-Jobs.html 2013-02-07 In the survey question, “Are You Happy or Satisfied with Your Current Work Abroad,” 68% of the respondents answered “No” which shows that only 32% of them are happy or satisfied with their current overseas post. The said survey was conducted from November 10, 2012 to January 25, 2013. It also appeared in the Facebook page of WorkAbroad.ph http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1921/Salary-Increase-for-Foreign-Workers-in-South-Korea.html 2013-02-03 The government of South Korea is implementing an increase in the salary of all its workers including the foreign workers that are under the Employment Permit System. The good news was announced in the official website of the Labor Department. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1918/POEA-Cancels-License-of-Agency-Recruiting-OFWs-in-Canada--Ban-its-Overseas-Partner.html 2013-02-01 An agency that recruits Filipino workers to Canada, Nanhaya International Recruitment, Inc. loses its license for allegedly violating laws on Philippine overseas employment. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) also bans Go West International, its partner placement agency in Canada from recruiting workers from the Philippines. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1899/Pinoys-Staying-Illegally-in-UAE-Can-Avail-of-the-Amnesty-Program-Until-Feb-4.html 2013-01-03 Overstaying Filipinos in United Arab Emirates (UAE) now have a chance to legalize their stay or go back to the Philippines without penalty by taking advantage of the ongoing amnesty program. This program though would only be available until February 4. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1894/POEA-Opens-Computer-Based-Facility-for-Korean-Language-Test.html 2012-12-31 With the aim to make the qualifying process for Employment Permit System (EPS)-Korea faster, a computer-based testing facility for the required Korean language test is now available at the main building of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Mandaluyong City. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1889/New-Law-Lets-Undocumented-OFWs-Legalize-Their-Status-in-Italy.html 2012-12-29 The government of Italy implements a new law that would be of advantage to Filipinos who are working without proper documents in their country. The new policy called “Sanatoria” would allow European and Italian employers to apply a work permit for their foreign employees/workers without legal papers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1896/Salary-Increase-for-Household-Workers-in-Singapore.html 2012-12-23 The Secretary of the Labor Department, Rosalinda Baldoz, lauds the move of Singapore and cited a report from the Association of Licensed Recruitment Agencies for Singapore, Inc., which states that this new development complies with the HSW reform package which sets USD400 as the monthly minimum salary for Filipino HSWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1893/POEA--8-Foreign-Employers-Banned-from-Hiring-OFWs--Agency-Lose-License.html 2012-12-19 Eight (8) foreign employers are no longer allowed to hire workers from the Philippines as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) formally disqualified them from participating in the overseas employment program of the country. The employers are banned because of failure to comply with the Philippine laws on overseas employment, grave misconduct and gross violations of Philippine laws on overseas employment. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1885/Agencies-That-Deployed-Pinoy-HSWs-Rescued-in-Malaysia-Under-Investigation.html 2012-12-17 Two recruitment agencies will be investigated regarding their involvement in the deployment of six (6) Filipina household service workers (HSWs) that were earlier rescued by Malaysian authorities. The immediate investigation is to be done by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) as ordered by the secretary of the Labor Department, Rosalinda Baldoz. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1890/PHL-Lifts-Deployment-Ban-to-Israel.html 2012-12-16 Filipinos can now work in Israel as the Philippine government decided to lift the deployment ban. The decision was made after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that the ceasefire between Israeli forces and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group improved the security situation. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1888/Registered-but-Inactive-Absentee-Voters-Should-Renew-License-or-Be-Delisted.html 2012-12-14 The National Registry of Overseas Absentee Voters or NROAV will update their list by deleting all registered voters who failed to exercise their right to vote in the last two elections. Registered voters who want their names to remain in the list should renew their license on or before January 11, 2013. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1884/New-SIM-Card-Registration-Policy-in-Saudi-to-Affect-Thousands-of-Undocumented-OFWs.html 2012-12-07 The Communication and Information Technology Commission (CITC) of Saudi Arabia implements a new policy that would now require a foreigner to update or register their personal information if they want to continue enjoying cellphone services in the Kingdom. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1879/Thousands-of-vacationing-HSWs-will-lose-jobs-IF--.html 2012-12-05 The Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) is raising concerns that thousands of vacationing and returning Household Service Workers (HSWs) to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia may soon be displaced from their gainful employment because of the Philippine government's INACTION. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1867/Minimum-Wage-Increase-for-Domestic-Helpers-in-Dubai.html 2012-11-17 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) secretary, Rosalinda Baldoz announced that Filipino household service workers (HSWs) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) would soon receive higher pay as their minimum wage would soon be set to USD400. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1862/OFWs-Can-Now-Schedule-Appointment-for-Exit-Clearance-Online.html 2012-11-07 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are vacationing in the Philippines would have an easier time taking care of their overseas employment certificates (OECs) because they can now schedule an appointment online. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1860/Salary-Increase-for-Foreign-Domestic-Helpers-in-Hong-Kong.html 2012-11-02 The minimum allowable wage (MAW) for household service workers (HSWs) in Hong Kong will have an increase of HKD180. This is a 4.8% percent increase, from HKD3,740 to HKD3,920 and is said to be the biggest in years. Meanwhile the increase for the minimum food allowance is HKD100, from HKD775 to HKD875. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1856/South-Korea-s--Disclose-Change-of-Identity-Program--for-EPS-Workers.html 2012-10-31 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) informed through their official website a new program of the Korean Embassy in Manila for Employment Permit System (EPS) workers who were refused entry in Korea because of change identity. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1853/PASEI-Proposed-Several-Measures-to-Promote-Welfare-of-HSWs.html 2012-10-26 In relation to the resumption and normalization of the recruitment and deployment of Household Service Workers (HSWs) in Saudi Arabia, the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI), has sent various proposals to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1857/New-Zealand-Allows-Filipino-Tourists-to-Work-For-a-Year.html 2012-10-24 The working holiday scheme will allow tourists from both countries to work in the host country. The scheme covers tourists between 18-30 years old. They can work for up to 12 months of stay but no longer than any three months for any given employer. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1848/3rd-Consular-Office-of-DFA-in-NCR-Opens-in-SM-Manila.html 2012-10-17 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) now has three (3) consular mall-based offices in National Capital Region (NCR) – at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong, Robinsons Galleria in Pasig City and the newest is in SM City, Manila. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1847/POEA-Gives-Guide-on-How-to-Avoid-Job-Scams.html 2012-10-11 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has continuously receiving complaints against illegal recruiters based on the internet which lead them to finally give warnings to jobseekers on how to detect internet job scam. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1845/Saudi-Implements-Better-Protection-Measures-for-Filipino-Domestic-Helpers.html 2012-10-10 The Department and Labor and Employment Secretary, Rosalinda Baldoz expressed confidence that Filipino household service workers (HSWs) who will go to Saudi Arabia to work is assured of better protection as the government of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) recently agreed to the new Standard Employment Contract (SEC). The said contract provides stronger measures to ensure that the rights and welfare of HSWs are followed. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1841/POEA-Issued-Preventive-Suspension-to-Agencies-Violating-Hiring-Rules-for-HSWs.html 2012-10-05 Recruitment agencies are reminded by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that they need to strictly follow the rules concerning the deployment of household service workers (HSWs). This is to ensure that all hired HSWs are properly protected. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1835/Survey-Says-OFWs-Would-Not-Cover-Up-for-Fellow-Filipinos.html 2012-10-03 Apparently Filipinos abroad would not tolerate a wrong deed even if the concerned individual is also a Filipino. This conclusion is based from an informal survey that was conducted among site visitors of OFWGuide.com and WorkAbroad.ph Facebok page from August 13 to September 2, 2012. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1839/SSS-Opens-New-Branch-in-Dubai.html 2012-09-28 The Social Security System (SSS) has recently opened new office located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates which will accommodate OFWs with their SSS membership, loans, and other concerns. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1836/POEA-Close-Down-Offices-of-6-Recruitment-Firms.html 2012-09-24 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) tracks down illegal recruiters in Metro Manila and finally padlocks their offices due to multiple complaints of illegal recruitment from applicants. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1834/Another-Consular-Office-Opens-in-Robinsons-Galleria.html 2012-09-23 There is another venue for Filipinos within Metro Manila area that needs to take care of their passport requirements. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently opened another mall-based consular office, this time at Robinsons Galleria in Quezon City. This is the sixth consular office of the DFA that is mall-based. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1827/Survey-Says-Pinoys-Abroad-Don-t-Know-How-to-Register-for-OAV.html 2012-09-17 What could be the reason why some Filipinos abroad fail to register for the OAV? Could it be that many would like to exercise their right to participate in the national elections even when they are out of the country but just don't know how or where to do it. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1829/Overseas-Absentee-Voting-Infographics.html 2012-09-13 What could be the reason why some Filipinos abroad fail to register for the OAV? Could it be that many would like to exercise their right to participate in the national elections even when they are out of the country but just don't know how or where to do it. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1824/One-Stop-Center-for-OFWs-and-Families-Now-Available-in-11-Regions.html 2012-09-10 The secretary of Labor and Employment, Rosalinda Baldpoz announced that seventeen (11) one stop processing centers (OSPCs) are now ready to serve overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families. The one-stop centers for OFWs that are located in eleven (11) regions all over the Philippines were created through the efforts of Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1822/DFA-s-1st-Consular-Satellite-Office-in-NCR-Opens-in-Megamall.html 2012-09-04 Good news for passport applicants in Metro Manila area. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) consular department now has a satellite office in SM Megamall in Mandaluyong. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1817/Labor-Department-Encourages-OFWs-to-Avail-of-Gov-t-Loan-and-Start-a-Business.html 2012-08-29 In an article posted in the DOLE's official website, Labor Secretary Rosalida Baldoz challenged OFWs to improve their lives by starting a business with the assistance of a loan from the national government's P2-Billion OFW National Reintegration Program Fund. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1816/DFA-Hopes-to-Get-200-000-More-Overseas-Absentee-Voting-Registrants.html 2012-08-27 A report from the DFA said that as of August 10, more than 800,000 Filipinos abroad have registered for the 2013 Philippine elections. This means they are still 200,000 registrants away from their goal. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1815/Online-Filing-of-Philhealth-Benefits-May-Soon-be-Available-for-OFWs.html 2012-08-23 For this reason, the plan of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (Philhealth) to install a system that would make it possible for Filipinos abroad to file claims for hospitals bills online would benefit many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1811/Multiple-Travel-Exit-Clearances-Now-Available-for-OFWs-in-Hong-Kong.html 2012-08-13 Filipinos in Hong Kong working as pilots, cabin crew, seafarers and the like can now avail of Multiple Travel Exit Clearance or multiple-OEC (MTEC). This development would benefit and is available for those whose job necessitates travel to and from the Philippines at least twice a year. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1800/Beware-of-Fake-Job-Offer-in-Sydney-Adventist-Hospital.html 2012-07-31 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) warns the public most specifically Filipino nurses and other medical practitioners regarding an e-mail scam containing supposed employment in a hospital in Australia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1796/POEA-Issues-Warning-To-Agencies-Not-Complying-with-Placement-Fee-Policies.html 2012-07-27 Hans Cacdac, the chief of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), issued a warning to licensed agencies that are charging excessive placement fees to their overseas applicants. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1783/Tenancy-Contract--New-Requirement-for-Abu-Dhabi-Residence-Visa.html 2012-06-27 Residence visa applicants in the emirate of Abu Dhabi now need to present tenancy contracts and other documents. On the other hand, visit visa applicants will be required to submit a rent contract along with a Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) bill. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1782/POEA-Advisories--Suspended-Agency-and-Blacklisted-US-Based-Companies.html 2012-06-26 POEA suspends the license of FMJ International for violating the POEA Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Land-based Overseas Workers. The complaint against the said agency was initiated by POEA chief, Hans Leo Cacdac Jr. based on a letter sent by Mr. Semean Dahdal, human resource manager of Aqaba Grand Stores in Amman, Jordan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1779/New-Bill-Demands-Additional-Contribution-for-OFWs.html 2012-06-20 Congressman Ma. Theresa Bonoan David of Manila has proposed a law that aims to amend the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Emergency Repatriation Fund. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1777/POEA--No-More-Deployment-Ban-in-18--Countries.html 2012-06-18 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can now be deployed to at least 18 countries that were previously declared “unsafe” destinations for OFWs. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Administrator Hans Cacdac, the POEA governing board finally approved a resolution that would allow deployment of OFWs to 31 more countries http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1766/More-Than-30-Recruitment-Firms-Lose-POEA-License.html 2012-05-27 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is working hard to curb illegal recruitment in the country. The government agency is closely monitoring if POEA recruitment agencies follow the fair policies of overseas deployment. For this reason, the POEA had cancelled the licenses of 21 recruitment agencies and suspended 12 others from January to May 2012. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1762/POEA--No-More-OEC-System-for-OFWs-Soon.html 2012-05-26 To speed up the processing procedure for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would soon abolish the system of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1759/NSCB-Survey--Majority-of-OFWs-are-Young--Slight-Number-Getting-Older.html 2012-05-21 In a report released by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), majority of the Filipinos going overseas to work are young, but the trend of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are getting older are slightly growing. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1755/OFWs-Can-Now-Work-in-Northern-Iraq-and-Libya.html 2012-05-15 Filipinos can now be deployed in Libya and in Northern Iraq (Iraqi Kurdistan Region) as the government lifts the deployment ban in the said countries. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1753/Filipino-Domestic-Helpers-Protests-Against-New-UK-Immigration-Policy.html 2012-05-11 A number of Filipino domestic helpers and their supporters in United Kingdom (UK) expressed their dismay against the latest amendments in the immigration laws of UK for overseas domestic workers (ODW) by staging a protest to the Houses of Parliament in the heart of the London borough of the City of Westminster. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1749/POEA-Files-Illegal-Recruitment-Case-against-Recruitment-Agencies--9-Individuals.html 2012-05-10 For deploying Filipino workers to Syria despite the existing deployment ban, recruitment agencies and nine (9) individuals are now facing illegal recruitment cases filed by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1739/DOLE--100-000-Jobs-Up-For-Grabs-at-Labor-Day-Job-Fair.html 2012-04-19 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is inviting all jobseekers to attend the DOLE's Job and Livelihood fair on May 1 at World Trade Center, Pasay City. This yearly event to commemorate Labor Day will also be held in other provinces through DOLE regional offices. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1737/Philippine-Embassy-in-UK-Warns-OFWs-Over-Phone-Scams.html 2012-04-18 New telephone scam targeting families of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) has been tracked by the Philippine Embassy in London. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1736/POEA-to-OFWs--Avoid-Backdoor-Exits.html 2012-04-17 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) gives warning to applicants especially women not to accept job offers from illegal recruiters that would require them to leave through exit points in the southern part of the country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1732/Marikina-PESO-and-WorkAbroad-Invites-Jobseeker-in-1-Day-Career-Event.html 2012-04-07 City Government of Marikina and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in cooperation with WorkAbroad.ph are inviting all jobseekers to attend the “Mega Job Fair 2012” on April 27, 2012 at the Marikina Sports Park, Sta. Elena, Marikina City. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1727/POEA-Releases-List-of-8th-EPS-TOPIK-Passers.html 2012-04-02 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has released the list of passers who took the 8th Employment Permit System (EPS) Test of Proficiency in Korea (TOPIK) last March 18, 2012. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1728/DOLE-Warns-OFWs-in-Dealing-with-Foreign-Recruitment-Agencies.html 2012-04-02 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) warned Overseas Filipino Workers in dealing with foreign recruiters in their host country who offer jobs in another country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1723/PRC-Now-Conducts-Board-Exams-for-Filipinos-Overseas.html 2012-03-28 Filipinos abroad who wish to take licensure examinations can now do so even without returning to the Philippines. The secretary of Labor, Rosalinda Baldoz announced that the Philippine Regulations Commission (PRC) has approved the resolution that seeks to revise the implementing guidelines on the conduct of Special Professional Licensure Board Examinations (SPLBE) for OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1720/POEA-Lifts-Deployment-Ban-in-3-Countries--Libya--South-Sudan---Nigeria.html 2012-03-23 An announcement from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) website said that the POEA Governing Board has lifted the deployment ban in Nigeria, Libya and South Sudan. Overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) can now freely work in the said countries as the POEA would resume the processing of documents of OFWs who wants to work there http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1714/Philhealth-Defers-Increase-in-OFW-Contributions---Opens-Service-Desks-in-Malls.html 2012-03-12 Philhealth Corporation announced that they are postponing the increase in premium contribution for their overseas Filipino worker (OFW)-members. According to PhilHealth's Executive Officer, Eduardo Banzon, the agency decided to defer the planned implementation because of the current global economic crisis that led to the repatriation of many OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1712/Foreign-Maids-in-Singapore-to-Get-Mandatory-Rest-Day-per-Week.html 2012-03-09 Good news for Filipinos who are working in Singapore as household service workers. The Singapore government recently announced that by next year, they will implement a new law that will give all foreign maids in their country a mandatory rest day per week. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1710/Planned-Closure-of-Philippines-Embassies-Elicit-Protests-Among-OFW-Groups.html 2012-03-06 Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) groups in different parts of the world expressed their dismay over the report that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is planning to shut down 12 Philippine embassies and consulates overseas this year. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1707/Taiwan-Grants-12-Year-Stay-of-Foreign-Workers.html 2012-03-02 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that Taiwan parliament has amended the provision of Taiwan Employment Service Act extending the previous cumulative stay limit of nine years for foreign workers to 12 years. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1706/OFWs-in-KSA--Get-Police-Clearance-before-Final-Exit.html 2012-03-01 The Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia reminded all Overseas Filipino Workers to get a Saudi police clearance before their departure from the country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1708/POEA-Cancels-Licenses-of-10-Recruitment-Agencies.html 2012-03-01 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has cancelled licenses of 10 recruitment agencies for charging excessive fees to applicants. On the other hand, one agency was placed under suspension for recruiting without job orders and other recruitment violations. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1704/DFA-Opens-New-Passport-Office-in-Cebu.html 2012-02-29 The Department of Foreign Affairs has launched new passport office in Gaisano-owned Metro Pacific Mall in Mandaue City, Cebu. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1703/How-to-Act-In-Front-of-Arabs.html 2012-02-27 Emirates 24/7 has posted a report entitled “Mind the Culture Gap” which contains tips to non-Arab expatriates on how to deal with Emiratis and other Arab citizens. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1699/200-Job-Vacancies-at-Yas-WaterWorld-Aqua-Park--Abu-Dhabi.html 2012-02-23 YAS WATERWORLD AQUA PARK, in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, is now hiring 200 personnel with NO PLACEMENT FEE. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1696/DFA-Lifts-Ban-on-Au-Pairs-in-Europe.html 2012-02-22 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced that ban on Au Pairs in all European country is now lifted. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1693/New-Re-Hiring-Policy-for-Foreign-Workers-in-South-Korea.html 2012-02-20 The South Korean government has issued new policy on re-hiring of Filipino workers after they've agreed on the petition of 2,345 Filipino workers and 633 Korean employers which will take effect on July 2, 2012. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1690/12-Philippine-Embassies-to-Close-Down.html 2012-02-15 The Department of Foreign Affairs announced closure of 12 embassies and consulates of the Philippines by the end of 2012. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1686/Saudi-To-Hire-Filipino-Household-Workers-Again.html 2012-02-01 The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is ready to issue work visas to Filipino household service workers again. Furthermore, Saudi also increased the minimum salary to USD400 or SR1,500. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1681/OFWs-to-Register-for-Absentee-Voting-Gets-a-Chance-to-Win-Trips-and-Gift-Checks.html 2012-01-31 To encourage more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to register for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) and vote for the 2013 elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that they are ready to give away all-expense paid trips to top tourist spots in the Philippines and gift checks through a raffle. All OFWs who will register for the coming elections will get a chance to win. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1685/Deployment-Ban-of-DH-in-Jordan-Now-Lifted.html 2012-01-30 Department of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Baldoz announced lifting of ban of Household Workers (Domestic Helpers) in Jordan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1680/New-Screening-Procedures-for-Filipinos-Traveling-Abroad.html 2012-01-27 The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has a new program that would ensure that screening procedures of international travelers in all airports and seaports would be done with utmost courtesy. The new program BI-Cares stands for “courtesy, accountability, responsibility, efficiency, and service” and it comes with the guidelines on how immigration officers should properly inspect arriving and departing international travelers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1677/Send-Your-Nominations-for-2012-Presidential-Awards-for-OFWs.html 2012-01-19 The 2012 Presidential Awards for overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) announced that they are now ready to accept nominations. According to the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. nomination forms for individuals or groups are available at the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1672/Saudi-May-Hire-Filipino-Household-Service-Workers-Again.html 2012-01-14 The undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Danilo Cruz said that the governments of Saudi Arabia and the Philippines are set to sign a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Cruz said that upon the signing of the new MOU, Saudi Arabia would again hire Filipino household service workers (HSWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1671/Lower-Terminal-Fee-for-Departing-International-Passengers.html 2012-01-12 Effective February 1, departing international passengers would only pay Php550 instead of Php750 for the terminal fee. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) announced that they will rollback the current terminal fee to the original rate of Php550 because the previous increase was only valid for five years. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1667/Proposed-Direct-Recruitment-System-for-Taiwan-Okay-With-POEA.html 2012-01-05 The government of Taiwan is expected to implement the International Direct e-Recruitment System (IDeS), a new hiring policy for foreign workers this January and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) expressed its support to the planned implementation. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1666/DOLE--Ready-to-Give-Livelihood-Assistance-Packages-to-Repatriated-OFWs-from-Syria.html 2012-01-04 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on its official website that their agency is ready to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to be repatriated from Syria as violence escalates and the security situation there grows more unstable. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1665/Hans-Cacdac-is-New-POEA-Chief.html 2012-01-03 A simple turnover ceremony officially declares Hans Cacdac as the new chief of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The turnover was attended by POEA directors and several senior Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials. Both DOLE chief, Baldoz and former POEA chief, Carlos Cao were not present during the event. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1661/POEA--Lifting-of-Deployment-Ban-in-Nigeria-Set-on-New-Year.html 2011-12-27 The coming year may bring some good news to Filipino workers who want to work in Nigeria as the government is planning to lift the deployment ban in the said African country on January 1. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1659/Permanent-Residency-Status-of-Foreign-Caregivers-in-Canada-Made-Easier.html 2011-12-24 Good news for foreign caregivers in Canada who wants to apply for permanent residency status. The government of Canada has implemented shorter procedures in the application of permanent residency of foreign caregivers. Aside from the easier process, Canada has also approved new policies that would protect foreign caregivers from abusive employers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1658/Plan-to-Increase-OFW-Philhealth-Premiums-Opposed-by-OFW-Organizations.html 2011-12-22 Philhealth Corporation through its circular No. 022 states that the premium payment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would increase in 2012. The said Philhealth circular plans to increase the Philhealth premium payment of OFWs from Php900 to Php1200 starting January of 2012. By Juy 2012, another increase would raise the premium payment to Php2400. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1655/Global-Economic-Crisis-Failed-to-Decrease-Number-of-Hired-OFWs.html 2011-12-21 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remain to be in-demand all over the world despite the current global economic crisis and prevailing tension in some Middle East countries. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1654/New-US-Law-Makes-Hiring-of-High--Skilled-Foreign-Workers-Easier.html 2011-12-19 Good news to skilled overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who wants to work in the United States of America (USA). The US House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would remove the quota in high skilled working visa. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1652/Many-Saudi-Companies-Not-Complying-with-Saudization-Policy.html 2011-12-13 Saudi Arabia, the top destination of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) started implementing Saudization or the Nitaqat system last June, a policy that aims to prioritize the hiring of Saudi citizens over foreign workers. However, after six months of implementation, labor officials in Saudi are saying that Saudization is so far a failure. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1647/POEA-Wants-More-Male-OFWs-in-2012.html 2011-12-05 However, from time to time, we would hear news of maltreated OFWs and apparently female OFWs are more vulnerable to abuse or maltreatment. For this reason, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said that they hope to deploy more male OFWs in 2012. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1645/23--of-New-HIV-Positive-Cases-in-PH--an-OFW.html 2011-12-01 According to PhilHealth, one out of four HIV carriers is a migrant worker. The data from the National HIV and AIDS Registry said that out of the 7,584 total HIV and AIDS cases as of September 30 this year, 1,729 is an overseas Filipino worker (OFW). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1641/Free-Livelihood-Training-Soon-to-Be-Available-to-OFWs.html 2011-11-25 The Technology Resource Center (TRC) and Duty Free Philippines Corporation (DFPC) would soon start to offer a great opportunity for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who want to be entrepreneurs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1639/Immigrant-Workers-in-USA-Can-Avail-of-Free-Legal-Advice.html 2011-11-21 An organization upholding the rights of Asian immigrant workers in America are offering free legal advice for workers that are affected with wage theft violations. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1636/Anti-Piracy-Course-for-Filipino-Seafarers-in-2012.html 2011-11-15 A new training course that aims to help Filipino seafarers fight maritime piracy was recently held in the United States of America (USA). According to the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. the pilot training course participated by Filipino seamen was conducted by the US Maritime Administration and it ended last October 21. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1633/DFA--Deployment-Ban-in-41-Countries-Postponed.html 2011-11-09 An official from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that they withdrew the negative certifications countries that reportedly failed to comply with the migrant policies that would provide sufficient protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) under the amended Migrant Workers Act. This means that the government is temporarily postponing the implementation of the said deployment ban in 41 countries. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1632/600-Jobs-from-25-Firms-Up-for-Grabs-at-the-UAE-Job-Fair.html 2011-11-08 The UAE job fair for Filipinos will be held on November 11 at the Al Safa Sports Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Jobseekers are advised to bring at least three copies of their resumes to the job fair. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1631/New--Super-Visa--for-Immigrants-in-Canada.html 2011-11-07 The Canadian government recently announced that a new type of visa for families will be available starting December of this year. The new two-year, multi-entry" super visa” is for the parents and grandparents of immigrants in Canada. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1629/POEA-s-Official-List-of-Additional-49-OFW-Friendly-Countries.html 2011-11-03 The DFA through its foreign posts added 49 new counties to the list by certifying that the following countries are likewise compliant with the guarantees under in Republic Act 10022 or the Amended Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1626/Advisory-from-the-Philippine-Embassy-in-America-and-Dubai.html 2011-11-02 To inform Filipinos that their offices would be closed on the upcoming holidays, the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C, USA and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) released advisories: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1627/POEA-Bans-OFW-Deployment-in-41-Countries.html 2011-11-02 The chief of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Carlos Cao Jr. said that the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in 41 countries is currently banned. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1623/Pinoy-Caregivers-in-UK-File-Protest-Against-New-Immigration-Policy.html 2011-10-25 A new immigration policy in United Kingdom (UK) prohibits foreign caregivers from filing for permanent residency status even after five years of continued work. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1617/Singapore--No-Longer-Preferred-Destination-of-Domestic-Helpers.html 2011-10-18 As the younger batch Filipino and Indonesian domestic helpers, including women from the rural areas is better educated and has a higher expectation of life; Singapore which is among the world's biggest employers of domestic helpers may soon find fewer and more expensive supply of foreign maids. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1621/OFW-in-Hong-Kong-Wins-Right-to-Apply-for-Permanent-Residency.html 2011-10-13 A Filipino domestic helper in Hong Kong recently won a fight that might benefit thousands of foreign workers in the said Asian country. Vallejos Evangeline Banao, an OFW in Hong Kong for almost twenty-two (22) years was granted the right to apply for permanent residency status. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1613/Embassy-on-Wheels-Schedule-for-OFWs-in-Saudi-Arabia.html 2011-10-08 Are you an OFW in Saudi Arabia who needs to renew your Philippine passport? The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh will conduct an outreach consular services missions or what is more commonly known as the “Embassy on Wheels” on the following dates: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1611/POEA-Advisory--Validation-of-Exit-Clearance-of-Seafarers.html 2011-10-04 The advisory states that starting November 1, 2011, seafarers are required to have their travel exit clearance validated at the LAC before their departure. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1595/Deployment-Ban-of-OFWs-in-Iraq-and-Afghanistan--Partially-Lifted.html 2011-09-07 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announced that the labor officials in the country decided to partially lift the deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1592/DOLE-Chief-to-Returning-Workers--Avail-the-Happy-Return-Program-of-EPS-Korea.html 2011-09-02 The head of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz wants returning Filipino workers from Korea to take advantage of the benefits that they can avail thru the “Happy Return Program” of the Korean Ministry of Labor and Employment. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1587/Hotline-Numbers-for-OFWs-in-Syria.html 2011-08-21 Filipinos in Syria can call hotline numbers of the Philippine Embassy, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA). These are the hotline numbers: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1581/DFA-Raised-Alert-Level-1-in-UK--No-Travel-or-Deployment-Ban-Yet.html 2011-08-11 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised alert level 1 in London after a Filipino was hurt during a riot in Birmingham. As violence continues in the area, the government agency reminded Filipinos in London to be very careful http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1579/DFA--Mobile-Passport-Services-for-OFWs-in-Saudi-Arabia-on-Aug-11-12.html 2011-08-09 Overseas Filipino workers (0FWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia can renew their Philippine passports as the Philippine Embassy in KSA will again conduct a mobile passport service this month. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1577/US-Embassy-Speeds-Up-Visa-Renewals-with-Visa-Reissuance-Program.html 2011-08-05 Filipinos that are holders of multiple entry visas to the United States of America (USA) can expect faster processing of their visa renewals with the launching of the Visa Reissuance Program (VRP) by the US Embassy in Manila. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1576/Libya-Said-to-Be-Peaceful--OFWs-Can-Return.html 2011-08-03 A representative from Libya that is in the Philippines for an official visit said that overseas Filipino workers (OFW) who left Libya a few months ago because of political tensions can now safely return. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1572/UK-To-Give-Visas-To-Exceptionally-Talented-Filipinos.html 2011-07-26 The UK government opened its doors to talented Filipinos when they launched the “exceptional Talent” special migration program. This program encourages the people who are considered to be the best and the brightest in the fields mentioned above to work and live in UK. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1568/Frequently-Asked-Questions--FAQs--About-Saudization-and-the-Answers.html 2011-07-18 To inform everyone about Saudization and how it would affect our country and the OFWs in Saudi Arabia, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) posted some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Saudization: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1566/POEA--Saudization-Will-Be-Implemented-Gradually--No-Impact-Yet-on-OFWs.html 2011-07-15 The chief of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Carlos Cao Jr. said during a press conference that the Saudization will not be fully implemented yet. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1564/Hotline-Numbers-and-Registry-For-OFWs-Affected-by-Saudization.html 2011-07-11 On the other hand, migrant group, Migrante Middle East set up a 24/7 hotline numbers in Saudi Arabia for OFWs that may be affected by the Nitaqat system. This is part of their "Sagip Migrante" campaign. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1562/New-Law-Protects-the-Right-of-Domestic-Helpers.html 2011-07-07 Domestic helpers all over the world have reason to rejoice. This is because the recently held 100th annual Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) adopted a new labor standard that would improve the working conditions of millions of domestic workers worldwide. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1561/DOLE--New-Hiring-Policy-of-Saudi-Will-Have-Minimal-Effect-on-OFWs.html 2011-07-04 The Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia and those that intend to work there that the new Saudization program will have minimal effect so it should not be a cause of worry. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1556/Essay-Writing-Contest-for-Successful-and-Returning-EPS-Workers.html 2011-06-27 The Human Resources Development Service of Korea (HRD Korea) is inviting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who successfully finished a work contract under the Employment Permit to join an essay writing contest. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1555/New-Procedure-in-the-Processing-of-Balik-Manggagawa-Exit-Clearance.html 2011-06-25 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Advisaory no. 30 states that starting July 1, the POEA is implementing a new procedure in the processing of exit clearance of balik-manggagawa or returning workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1552/OFWS-in-UAE-Can-Avail-of-Low-Cost-Loans.html 2011-06-17 The government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) will offer low-cost loans to Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families through their Emirates' Wage Protection Scheme. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1551/Deployment-of-OFWs-to-Bahrain-Now-Allowed.html 2011-06-11 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announced that deployment of both newly hired and returning OFWs to Bahrain is now allowed. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1542/OFW-Friendly-Countries-Identified-by-POEA.html 2011-05-30 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) comes up with a list of countries considered to be an ideal destination for overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) because they seem to be cooperative when it comes to concerns of Filipino workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1541/Online-Tracking-System-for-Passport-Applications-Now-Available.html 2011-05-26 To make the application process for Philippine passport easier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently launches a system that would allow passport applicants to monitor the status of their applications online. The new service is possible through ther Department of Foreign Affairs Officer of Consular Affairs' Passport Tracking Service (PTS). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1539/DOLE-Starts-Reintegration-Project-for-Returning-OFW-Women.html 2011-05-20 A new reintegration project for women who are returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) was recently launched by the Labor Department. The new project will give women who are former OFWs skills training intervention programs with the end goal of improving their socio-economic status. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1523/POEA-Orders-Loan-Condonation-for-Displaced-OFWs.html 2011-04-20 Lending companies and recruitment agencies are requested by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to condone or renegotiate loans of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have lost their job because of the political conflict, civil unrest or health threats in their host countries. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1520/Salary-Increase-for-Domestic-Helpers-in-Cyprus.html 2011-04-14 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) posted on its official website that that the minimum wage of Filipino domestic helpers in Cyrus would increase by USD36 or Php1,666. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1517/DOLE-to-Strengthen-its-Campaign-Against-Drug-Mules.html 2011-04-10 Due to the alarming cases of Filipino workers getting jailed in other countries due to drugs, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has enforced Philippines Overseas Administration Office (POEA) to strengthen its drug information campaign for Filipino workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1507/Repatriated-OFWs-Are-Still-Entitled-to-PhilHealth-benefits.html 2011-03-23 Legal dependents of repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Libya and other countries can still enjoy the benefits of their membership in Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). This is the assurance given by Philhealth president and chief executive officer, Rey Aquino. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1503/No-More-Work-and-Visa-Restrictions-for-OFWs-in-Taiwan.html 2011-03-17 The government of Taiwan has finally lifted the restriction in visa and work applications of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) after the Philippines and Taiwan finally reconciles. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1501/Mining-Firms-Offer-392-Jobs-for-Repatriated-OFWs-from-Libya.html 2011-03-11 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced 392 job vacancies available in mining companies for repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers from Libya. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1499/OFWs-from-Libya-Can-Now-Exchange-Their-Dinars-in-the-Philippines.html 2011-03-10 The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently announced that repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Libya can now exchange their Libyan dinars in the Philippines. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1498/BIR-Explains-Tax-Rules-for-OFWs.html 2011-03-09 According to Revenue Regulations No. 1-2011, the wage or income of an OFW that is earned out of the country is exempted from income tax. However, the earnings of an OFW from a business venture or any other property in the Philippines is subject to tax obligations. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1493/Special-Lanes-Now-Available-for-OFWs-Bound-To-Taiwan.html 2011-02-27 To cope with these new guidelines and to help OFWs who are seeking employment in Taiwan, the Philippine government ordered five government agencies to set up special lanes for OFWs bound to Taiwan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1491/Send-Your-Nominations-to-the-Bagong-Bayani-Awards-2011.html 2011-02-21 The Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI), in coordination with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the private sector, announces that the search for the 2011 Bagong Bayani Awardees is now open. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1489/OFWs--Update-Your-Philhealth-Contributions-and-MDR.html 2011-02-19 The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) reminds all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) not to forget or neglect their Philhealth membership even while working abroad. The agency said that OFWs must ensure that they are able to pay their Philhealth contributions and their Member's Data Record (MDR) as well as the information about their dependents is updated and accurate. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1483/POEA-Resumes-Validation-of-Exit-Clearances-of-Departing-OFWs.html 2011-02-09 This required procedure would start on March 1, 2011. All departing OFWs would have to go to the POEA's Labor Assistance Center (LAC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2 and 3 to validate their exit clearances and documents. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1480/POEA-Advisories--For-Nurses--Caregivers-Bound-to-Japan-and-OFWs-Bound-to-Korea.html 2011-02-01 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has important announcements for Filipinos who wish to work abroad particularly in Japan and Korea. The first announcement is for the list of Employment Permit System-Korea workers (EPS-Korea) with employment offer and needs to undergo preliminary training this moment. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1478/E-Passport-Now-Available-For-Pinoys-in-Belgium-and-Luxembourg.html 2011-01-28 Filipinos that are working and living in Belgium and Luxembourg can now enjoy the convenience of having the new electronic passport (ePassport). The Ambassador of the Philippines in Brussels, Enrique A. Manalo reported that the launching for the processing of Philippine ePassport was done last Januaery13, 2011. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1477/POEA-and-OWWA-Opens-Nominations-for-OFW-Representatives.html 2011-01-26 In accordance to the revised Mirant Workers Act that aims to provide better protection to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) are now accepting nominations for OFW representatives to their respective boards. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1475/Philippine-Embassy--24-Hour-Hotlines-For-OFWs-in-Saudi-Arabia.html 2011-01-22 Filipinos in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) would have an easier time getting in touch with the Philippine Embassy with the 24-hour hotline numbers that they can contact after office hours. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1462/PRC-Offers-Two-New-E-Services-for-Filipino-Professionals.html 2010-12-29 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on its website that the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has two new services that would be of benefit to Filipino professionals who need to renew their professional ID registration and to employers who want to verify the license of Filipino professionals they want to hire. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1458/Foreign-Workers-in-UAE-To-Benefit-From-New-Sponsorship-Rule.html 2010-12-23 Foreign workers in United Arab Emirates (UAE) including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will benefit from the new sponsorship rule that makes it easy for them to transfer to another employer and obtain a new work permit after their job contract expires. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1456/Filipino-Workers-needed-in-Malaysia.html 2010-12-21 Malaysia is just a neighborhood country of the Philippines where culture and tradition is not so different with us. Thus, this becomes a very ideal work location for Filipino workers who are aiming to work abroad. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1455/OFWs-in-Al-Khobar--KSA--Embassy-on-Wheels-Offer-Passport-Services.html 2010-12-15 The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia announced that they will conduct consular services for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the area on December 16 to 17, 2010. It will happen at the International Philippine School in Al-Khobar. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1453/UK-Sets-Limit-On-The-Number-of-Foreign-Workers.html 2010-12-11 The British Embassy in Manila announced that starting April of next year, there will be a limit on the number of foreign workers that they will allow to enter their territory. This rule also applies to Filipino workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1452/Switzerland-Sets-New-Salary-for-Domestic-Helpers.html 2010-12-09 The government of Switzerland announced that they have set a new minimum wage for domestic helpers. The move was made after numerous reports of widespread salary abuse. Listed below is the new minimum wage for domestic helpers set by the Swiss federal government; http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1450/OFWs-Encourage-To-Report-Agencies-That-Charges-Insurance-Cost.html 2010-12-03 In connection with the new law, Jennifer Jardin-Manalili, administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) encourages OFWs to report to her office the agencies that refuse to comply with the new policy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1442/Insurance-Coverage-for-Agency-Hired-OFWs-Now-Mandatory.html 2010-11-19 Effective November 8, 2010, all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that will be hired through the help of a recruitment agency are now required to have an insurance coverage. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1439/Latest-Updates-on-the-7th-EPS-Test-of-Proficiency-in-Korean--TOPIK-.html 2010-11-05 The expected number of passers for this EPS-TOPIK is 6000 persons for manufacturing and its numbers can be changed according to the circumstances of EPS. All applicants should confirm his/her designated test venue and test date and time. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1436/Au-Pair-Deployment-To-Selected-European-Countries-Now-Allowed.html 2010-11-01 Filipinos who wants to work in selected European countries as au pairs can freely do so now that the deployment ban that was imposed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) thirteen years ago is finally lifted. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1432/Insurance-Coverage-Of-OFWs-To-Be-Paid-By-Recruitment-Agencies.html 2010-10-26 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whether landbased or seabased is now entitled to an insurance policy and they will get it for free because it will be shouldered by the recruitment/manning agencies that will deploy them. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1423/Sponsorship-System-For-Foreign-Workers-in-Kuwait-To-End-Soon.html 2010-10-08 The sponsorship system that is required to all foreign workers in Kuwait is soon to be abolished. This is the announcement that was recently made by the government of Kuwait. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1418/Result-Of-President-Aquino-s-US-Visit--43-000-New-Local-Jobs-For-Filipinos.html 2010-09-30 Aquino announced the good news when he arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), adding that the new local jobs is made possible because his delegation secured USD2.4 billion worth of investment and a grant of USD434 million by the Millennium Challenge Corporation for social welfare programs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1411/POEA---Nursing-Exams-In-Japan-Not-Will-Not-be-In-English.html 2010-09-20 Reports that the licensure examination for foreign nurses in Japan will now be given in English is not true. This is the clarification made by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) which has come from a representative of the Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1405/Germany-Keeps-Its-Doors-Open-To-Highly-Skilled-Workers.html 2010-09-14 The national representative of Kirchenasyl, lady pastor Fanny Dethloff, said, ''If you are highly qualified, Germany wants you, especially in the healthcare and technology sector. But for low skilled jobs, it is much more complicated. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1401/DOLE--Nurses-and-Caregivers-For-Japan-Should-Undergo-Intense-Language-Training.html 2010-09-06 The Labor Department is pushing for an intense Japanese language training program for all Filipino nurses and caregivers who want to work in Japan. This is part of the agency's effort to solve the extremely low passing rate of Filipino nurses and caregivers in the licensure examination in Japan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1399/Updates-on-The-7th-Schedule-of-the-Employment-Permit-System--Test-of-Proficiency-in-Korean.html 2010-08-29 Filipinos who want to be employed in Korea must pass the EPS-TOPIK (EPS-KLT), implemented by the Human Resources Development. Only the successful examines of the EPS-TOPIK will be included in the roster of available workers by submitting the job application for the EPS. Being an EPS-KLT passer guarantee one's inclusion in the list of jobseekers but it does not guarantee that one will be deployed to the said country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1388/Medical-Center-in-Dubai-Offers-Free-Health-Check-up-To-OFWs.html 2010-08-17 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in the city of Dubai in United Arab Emirates (UAE) can take advantage of a free medical consultation and health check up to be conducted by a medical center in the said city, the Prime Medical Center. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1384/Implementation-Of-Expanded-OFW-Protection-To-Start-This-Month.html 2010-08-07 The new law that would give more benefit and protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is set to be implemented this month. According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), this development would be to the advantage of about eight million OFWs all over the world. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1382/OFWs-Now-Required-To-Be-A-PAG-IBIG-Member.html 2010-08-05 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) now have an additional fee to pay before they will be given an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) -- the Php600 membership fee for Pag-IBIG fund. The new memorandum from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) now requires all OFWs to be a member of Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund. The Php600 would be equivalent to six months of contribution. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1380/OFW-Group-Says-No-To-Compulsory-AIDS-Test.html 2010-08-01 Migrante, a large group of Filipino migrant workers is against the proposal to require all Filipino workers based in the Middle East undergo an HIV/AIDS test. This call came after reports that the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East afflicted with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is increasing at an alarming rate. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1378/Will-Noynoy-do-a-Cory-on-overseas-labor-export-.html 2010-07-28 MANILA–IS Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III his mother's son when it comes to overseas labor export? Under his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, government hand in the deployment of OFWs was subsumed under one agency, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1375/POEA-Calls-on-Korean-Language-Test-Passers--Submit-Your-Requirements.html 2010-07-22 According to POEA, two months after conducting the 6th EPS-KLT exam, not all of the 2,775 applicants who passed the test are in the Roster of Jobseekers for Korea's Employment Permit System- a list where potential Korean employers can choose candidates for employment. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1374/Recruitment-of-Seamen-in-Luneta-Is-No-Longer-Allowed.html 2010-07-18 According to POEA Administrator Jennifer Jardin-Manalili, all recruitment activities of manning agencies in the area are deemed illegal. The government agency issued the new law because of reports of unfair hiring practices in the area. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1371/DFA-Releases-Schedule-of-Mobile-Passport-Services.html 2010-07-14 So check out the schedule below to see if the DFA mobile passport service would be near your area in the coming days. Catch them in your local municipality and take advantage of the opportunity to conveniently get a passport. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1365/Good-News-For-OFWs-From-DFA--No-Need-For-Appointment---Satellite-Office-in-POEA-Reopens.html 2010-07-02 The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) has some good news for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). First, OFWs are exempted from the rule of setting an appointment for passport application and renewal. This is applicable for those who urgently need a passport and can present documents that show there are jobs waiting for them in their countries of destination. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1362/DFA--Do-Not-Deal-With-Passport-Fixers.html 2010-06-24 The Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of Consular Affairs (DFA-OCA) now requires passport applicants to set an appointment (OFWs are exempted) before proceeding to their new building to file their application. Unfortunately, swindlers also find an opportunity to use this new rule to victimized individuals who only wants to obtain a Philippine passport http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1356/Aquino-Promises-To-Create-More-Local-Jobs.html 2010-06-14 Fortunately, this is also the aim of the president elect Noynoy Aquino. The ultimate goal of the next President of the land is to create more local jobs so that Filipino workers will not have to go overseas to seek employment. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1349/Fees-For-US-Visa-To-Increase-This-Month.html 2010-06-03 The US Embassy in the Philippines wishes to inform the public that they would raise their visa fees this month. Starting June 4, the visa fee for nonimmigrant visa would have an additional USD9 or Php420. The said increase would be implemented to cope with the rising cost that comes with ensuring efficient and quality service. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1346/Updated-List-of-Australia-Skilled-Occupation.html 2010-05-25 Effective July 1, 2010, the new list of Australia Migration Occupations in Demand List (MODL) will replace the current Skilled Occupation List (SOL) as announced by Minister of Migration and Citizenship Senator Cris Evans. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1344/Filipino-Au-Pairs-needed-in-Switzerland.html 2010-05-23 Qualified applicants should be single, ages between 18-25 years old, at least high school graduate and certified to have attended the OWWA Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for au pairs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1341/Hot-Jobs-for-Filipino-Workers-in-Singapore.html 2010-05-17 Singapore, Asia's most competitive economy and world's competitive nation, due to continuous booming of economy is sought to fill non-skilled to professional positions and find the need of hiring Filipino workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1332/Will-You-Vote-For-Brother-Eddie--His-Plans-For-OFWs.html 2010-05-02 Eduardo “Bro. Eddie” C. Villanueva, together with Vice Presidentiable Perfecto “Jun” Yasay Jr, Bangon Pilipinas Party standard bearer who strongly believes for the transformation of the Philippines into a prosperous and respectable nation, and that he has a program to eradicate corruption and restore morality in government. If Bro. Eddie won the Presidential race, what are his plans for our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)? http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1330/Will-You-Secure-Your-Future-with-Gibo-Teodoro--Know-Him-More-.html 2010-04-29 Gibo's main plan is to hasten the country's educational system and provide more stable and long-term jobs for the Filipino. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1333/POEA-Announces-Test-Venues-for-6th-EPS-Korean-Language-Test.html 2010-04-29 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has released the guidelines for the 6th EPS-Korean Language Test (EPS-KLT) that will happen on May 2. According to an advisory released in the POEA website, the exam will be given from 10:30 am to 11:40 am. However the applicants must be in their respective test rooms at 8:00 a.m. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1324/Will-You-Vote-Gordon-For-President--His-Dreams-For-OFWs.html 2010-04-28 The Transformers, Richard Gordon-Bayani Fernando team up who aims change for 2010 and they believe that they have arrive just in time that the Philippines need a change. Can they also change the lives of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)? How would OFWs benefit when he won the 2010 election? http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1329/Tax-Free-Privilege-Granted-To-OFWs.html 2010-04-26 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are now exempted from paying taxes such as documentary stamp tax (DST) on their remittances, travel tax and airport fee. Migrant workers now enjoy this tax-free privilege because it is included in the revised Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1320/Erap-for-President--again---His-Plans-for-OFWs.html 2010-04-22 McArthur's famous line “I shall return” seems to be the former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada's favorite quote as he, again, aspire for Presidential position in May 10 election. Together with Jejomar Binay as his Vice President, can Erap win the race again? Will he regain the trust of “masa” including our modern day heroes, the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)? http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1319/Will-You-Vote-For-Noynoy-Aquino--Know-His-Plans-.html 2010-04-10 There are six presidential candidates hoping to get the overseas Filipino workers' votes this coming May 2010 elections. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1317/Will-You-Vote-For-Jamby-Madrigal--Her-Plans-For-OFWs.html 2010-04-06 Is Jamby Madrigal worthy to be the next President? Is she a competent and intelligent Senator that has authored and passed laws that lessen the burden of the poor Filipino people? How does she plan to solve the problem of poverty and unemployment? And what are her visions and plans for the modern-day heroes- the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In this article, let's see if the lone woman candidate for President is worth the vote of OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1315/POEA-Announces-Registration-and-Exam-Schedules-of-EPS-Korean-Language-Test.html 2010-04-02 After an announcement from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that the registration for the Employment Permit System- Korean Language Test (EPS-KLT) would happen this month, the government agency finally released details about the registration as well as the actual examination dates. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1314/Will-You-Vote-For-Villar--His-Plans-For-OFWs.html 2010-03-31 The Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) law now makes it possible for Filipinos who are working and living in another country to participate in the Philippine elections. As the Presidential Election day draws near it is important that Filipinos overseas do not waste their chance to elect the next most powerful person in the land. So in this article, let us present the plans of Mr, Manny Villar for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In the end, it is up for you to decide if he is worth your vote. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1310/Registration-for-Korean-Language-Test-Set-This-April.html 2010-03-21 According to the POEA Chief, Jennifer Jardin-Manalili, their agency and the HRD Korea will be in special designated areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao from April 6 to 8 to conduct registration. They are yet to announce other details about the registration such as time and place. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1309/New-DFA-Building-Now-Open--Applicants-Need-To-Set-an-Appointment.html 2010-03-17 Along with the promise that the new facility would make their service more efficient is the reminder that the DFA would only process application strictly by appointment. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1304/Overseas-Absentee-Voting-Starts-This-April-10.html 2010-03-10 Filipinos who are working and living abroad and have registered for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) only have a month to ponder on who to give their votes to. This is because the automated election for the 589,830 registrants is set to start on April 10. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1305/Oman-Sets-Deadline-to-Overstaying-and-Illegal-OFWs.html 2010-03-10 Overstaying and illegal Filipino workers in Oman must immediately return back to the Philippines before March 31, 2010 as the Sultanate of Oman released amnesty to all illegal and overstaying expatriate workers in the country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1296/Migrant-Women--Japanese-Filipino-Children-Gets-Assistance-From-Japan-Embassy.html 2010-03-03 Filipina migrant workers in Japan (both current and former) and their Japanese-Filipino children have a chance to receive financial assistance from the Japanese Embassy. This is part of The Project for Building Capacities of Women and their Japanese-Filipino Children http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1237/New-Immigration-Policies-for-OFWs-in-Mariana-Island.html 2010-02-23 A new policy for foreign workers who wants to work in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) was released to ease the immigration problems in the country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1285/DFA-Transfers-To-A-New-Building--Promise-Faster-and-Better-Service.html 2010-02-15 The DFA Secretary, Alberto Romulo said that now passport applicants can expect faster service as the new facility can process as many as 4,000 passports a day. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1283/A-New-Law-Offers-More-Protection-For-OFWs.html 2010-02-01 The improved Migrant Workers Act includes preventive measures that would minimize and solve the problems encountered by OFWs in the process of recruitment and deployment. It also calls for the creation of better rescue and assistance mechanisms. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1246/DOLE-Enforces-Safety-Measures-to-Filipino-Seamen.html 2010-01-17 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reinforced safety measures to address the problem of increasing number of Filipino seafarers being kidnapped by pirates in Somalia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1270/Saudi-Government-Frees-9-OFW-Prisoners.html 2010-01-16 King Abdullah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pardoned nine more Filipino prisoners last January 11, Department of Foreign Affairs reported. Two Filipino prisoners were earlier released after given pardon last Eid ul-Fitr. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1273/POEA-Lists-The-Most-In-Demand-Overseas-Jobs-In-2009.html 2010-01-13 The following occupations are in-demand abroad: household service workers, nurses, production and related workers, caregivers, wiremen, electrical and related workers, welders, flame cutters and related workers, charworkers, cleaners and related workers, cooks and related workers, laborers, general workers and plumbers, pipefitters and related workers and seafarers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1263/POEA-Announces-Schedule-of-the-6th-Korean-Language-Test.html 2010-01-06 According to an announcement that appeared on the POEA website, the application schedule for the next Korean Language Test is on January 25 to 29. To qualify and be included in the List of Jobseekers, the government agency advised jobseekers to prepare early. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1259/Obtaining-Permanent-Residency-for-Caregivers-In-Canada-Made-Easier.html 2010-01-01 Under the new rule, live in caregivers no longer have to pass a second medical examination as part of the requirement to be given a permanent residence status. Gaining the status of being a permanent resident is important because it gives individuals the privilege to bring their family to Canada. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1258/Fast-Recovery-of-Taiwan-Gives-Opportunity-Again-to-OFWs.html 2009-12-29 Good news keeps on pouring for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Taiwan as the country's fast recovery from the global crisis gives another opportunity to the Fililipino workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1243/DOLE--No-Displacement-for-OFWs-in-Dubai.html 2009-12-06 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) assured Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in United Arab Emirates, particularly in Dubai that there is no possibility of mass displacement of Filipino workers despite the city's debt crisis. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1241/Recession-in-Dubai-May-Affect-OFWs.html 2009-12-04 The Filipino workers in United Arab Emirates (UAE) particularly in Dubai are worried about loosing their jobs or get salary reductions after reported news that Dubai is seeking a six-month moratorium on debt payment worth $60 billion which lead the city into financial crisis. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1225/Free-Legal-Assistance-For-Illegal-Recruitment-Victims.html 2009-11-22 The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Quezon City chapter assured the victims of illegal recruitment a free legal assistance to help them get the justice that they needed. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1236/DOLE--More-Jobs-For-OFW-Next-Year.html 2009-11-19 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) gladly announced that the efforts of the government to sustain the resiliency of the economy together with the continued demand for the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and election activities are expected to buck joblessness and pave for a brighter employment situation for 2010. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1232/Saudi-Arabian-Airlines-Recruits-Kitchen-and-Office-Staffs.html 2009-11-15 The Saudi Arabian Airlines-catering division highly needs 50 Filipino male kitchen staffs to address the demand of manpower of the company. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1222/Danish-Shipping-Firm-To-Hire-100-Seamen.html 2009-10-27 The Philippine Embassy in Norway said in a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Norway-based shipping firm, A.P. Moller-Maersk will be replacing 100 of their Danish ship captains with Filipinos as the firm find satisfaction with Filipino's skills, proficiency and work discipline. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1220/International-Ship-Companies-Still-Prefer-Hiring-Filipino-Seamen.html 2009-10-25 Filipino seamen's good record and performance keep job opportunities bright, despite economic crisis. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1219/Taiwan-To-Establish-Direct-Hiring-Program-for-Foreign-Workers.html 2009-10-19 The government of Taiwan is planning to amend a program on direct hiring foreign workers that aims to help ease the processing fees that are being collected by linking agents. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1206/30-Caregivers-To-Leave-For-Japan-Through-JPEPA.html 2009-10-09 About 30 more Filipino caregivers are set to leave for Japan under the Japan-philippines economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines reported. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1216/POEA--Hospital-in-Saudi-Arabia-Needs-25-Pharmacists.html 2009-10-08 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announced on their website the job vacancies for pharmacist bound to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1205/Filipino-Workers-in-UK-Safe-From-Getting-Arrested.html 2009-10-07 Filipino workers have no reason to fear after news spread that the British immigration authorities targets Filipinos for arrest and detention, says Philippine embassy in London. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1211/OFWs-Affected-by--Ondoy--may-Apply-for-Calamity-Loan.html 2009-10-01 Overseas Workers Welfare Administration recently opened a fast-track calamity loan facility that would assist families of active OWWA members who are affected by the typhoon Ondoy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1210/OWWA--Ondoy-Victims-Can-Update-Their-OFW-Relatives-For-Free.html 2009-09-29 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who has families affected by the typhoon Ondoy can now talk with their family for free. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will lend free calls and texts to victims of Ondoy to update their loved ones abroad about their situation after the tragic nature call. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1196/Filipinos-in-UK-Questions-Migration-Policies.html 2009-09-23 Through an official statement from UK, the chairman of Kanlungan, Benny Clutario informed that the permanent status applications of thousands of foreign senior care workers is being rejected by the UK Border Agency due to gaps in their visas. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1204/More-Comprehensive-Insurance-Benefits-For-OFWs-Proposed.html 2009-09-21 Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc (PASEi) recently recommends a more comprehensive proposal regarding the additional insurance that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will benefit. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1200/POEA--Additional-Insurance-For-OFWs-Should-Be-Voluntary.html 2009-09-17 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) rejected a proposed congressional measure for the adoption of a compulsory liability insurance system for all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1201/POEA--Nurses--Doctors--Technicians-Available-in-Yemen--Extended--.html 2009-09-15 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is calling the attention of highly skilled nurses, doctors and medical technicians who want to practice their expertise in Yemen. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1199/OWWA-To-Create-Hospitals-For-OFWs.html 2009-09-11 Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announced last September 02 that they are now taking steps for the creation of hospitals and hospital wings that aims to give medical assistance for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1189/New-Anti-Piracy-Law-in-Japan-to-Benefit-Filipino-Seamen.html 2009-09-09 The Philippine government through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) praised the new policy that Japan recently imposed - an anti-piracy law that would guarantee the safe passage of ships in the international maritime trading zones. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1193/Amnesty-for-Undocumented-Caregivers-and-Domestic-Helpers-in-Italy.html 2009-09-01 The new law that would grant undocumented all foreign workers in Italy a chance for amnesty is set to be implemented this month. It will benefit an estimate of 50,000 overstaying Filipino caregivers and domestic helpers and other professionals employed in Italy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1187/Updates-on-Overseas-Absentee-Voting--New-Enlistment-Schedules.html 2009-08-25 To increase the number of registrants for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV), the Commission on Elections and the Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform Filipinos working and living abroad that there will be special mobile and field registrations. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1185/OFWs-Call-For-The-Abolition-of-GAMCA-Decking-System.html 2009-08-24 The GAMCA is an exclusive organization of medical clinics and some OFWs are calling for the elimination of this group because workers and the agencies is strip of the right to choose the medical clinic to go to for an examination. The said petition is spearheaded by Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc. (PASEI) a large group of POEA-registered overseas recruitment agencies. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1183/DFA-To-Start-Issuing-E-Passports-on-August-26.html 2009-08-20 The DFA informed that they will start processing application for e-passports via the online appointment system on August 26. At the onset, numbers of e-passport to be issued is limited to 100 ePassports a day and they will use a first-come-first-serve basis. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1181/Scholarship-Grants-Awaits-Filipinos-in-United-Kingdom.html 2009-08-18 Filipinos who wants to study in the United Kingdom (UK) and experience its unique learning environment now has a chance to do it for free. The British Embassy in Manila announced that they are now accepting applications for the Chevening Scholarship Programme, an esteemed award given to deserving foreigners. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1178/New-Law-in-Bahrain-Makes-Life-Easy-For-OFWs.html 2009-08-14 According to Charge d'áffaires Jose Dela Rosa Burgos, the new sponsorship rule in Bahrain would allow foreign workers to transfer to a new company without the need to submit a no-objection certificates (NoC) that are given by their previous employer. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1171/OFWs-in-Middle-East-Can-Take-Board-Exams-in-Host-Country.html 2009-08-12 If you or someone you know is currently working in the Middle East region as a professional but without a license that can boost their career overseas, there is good news. The PRC announced that they will go to different cities in the Gulf States where there are many Filipino workers to conduct special licensure examinations. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1174/OFW-Forum-Hope-to-Increase-OAV-Registrants-Before-the-Deadline.html 2009-08-08 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) now has less than 30 days to register for the Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) that will end on August 30. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1169/New-Policy-in-Belgium-Will-Benefit-Filipino-Migrants.html 2009-08-06 Undocumented Filipinos who are working and living in Belgium for a minimum of two and five years now have a chance to legalize their stay because of a policy that the government of Belgium recently implemented. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1168/Philhealth-Benefits-for-OFWs-in-Hong-Kong.html 2009-08-01 The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) aims to address the health needs of Filipino workers in Hong Kong by sending regular representative missions that will attend to Philhealth concerns of OFWs there. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1160/Illegal-OFWs-in-Italy-Gets-a-Chance-for-Amnesty.html 2009-07-18 The law that will give OFWs without proper working documents in Italy a chance for amnesty is set to start in September of this year. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1159/Recruitment-Agencies-Frowns-on-New-POEA-Rule.html 2009-07-17 Groups of recruitment agencies openly aired their protests against new memorandums from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that adds 44 overseas jobs to the classification of “low- and semi-skilled” overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1158/POEA-Sets-Stricter-Rules-For-Low-and-Semi-Skilled-Jobs.html 2009-07-11 A new memorandum from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) added 44 overseas jobs to the current list of occupations classified under the low and semi-skilled category. The POEA said that Memorandum Circular No. 5 aims to strengthen the protection mechanism for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1156/New-Rules-in-Visa-Application-to-Saudi-Arabia.html 2009-07-09 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that all foreigners to enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the purposes of visit, pilgrimage to Mecca and work would now be subjected to fingerprinting and full-face digital photographs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1152/Submit-Your-Entries-for-Ten-Outstanding-Expat-Pinoy-Children.html 2009-07-05 The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Overseas Banking Group announced that they are now accepting nominees for “The Search for Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children." http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1147/Taiwan-Still-Open-To-Overseas-Filipino-Workers.html 2009-06-27 Contrary to the reports that Taiwan will limit the entry of foreign workers due to financial depression, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) recently reported that Taiwan is still open and will be hiring more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1132/New-Age-Requirement-For-OFWs-in-Saudi-Arabia.html 2009-06-21 The Saudi government recently issued a new policy that requires all Filipino workers to be deployed as household service worker, baby sitter, nurse, flight attendant, and family driver in their country to be at least 21 years old. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1146/Schengen-Visa-of-Italy-Is-Temporarily-Suspended.html 2009-06-18 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) wishes to inform all Filipinos who intends to go to Italy this July that from June 18 to July 15, the Schengen visa agreement is temporarily suspended. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1120/Advice-to-Students--Avoid-Unemployable-Courses.html 2009-05-26 One of the reasons for the country�s pressing problem on unemployment stems from the fact that there is mismatch between the jobs available abroad and the skills and qualifications of Filipino graduates and jobseekers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1130/New-Advisories-from-POEA.html 2009-05-14 The website of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) recently published a series of advisories to inform and guide overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1126/DOLE-Presents-Hotline-Service-for-Local-and-overseas-Filipino-workers.html 2009-05-08 The secretary of DOLE, Marianito Roque and Globe Telecom launched the 3-way Asenso Connect service which will use three communication channels—via the DOLE 2917 Hotline, 2910 SMS facility, and the www.dole2917.com.ph website. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1115/Nominate-Exceptional-OFWs-For-the-4th-BPInoy-Awards-.html 2009-05-04 The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is in search for outstanding Filipino workers and immigrants as they announced the launching of its fourth BPInoy Awards. Now on its fourth run, this award aims to recognize and honor Filipinos abroad who have made the Philippines proud with their achievements. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1109/No-Hiring-of-Hotel-and-Other-Skilled-Workers-in-UK.html 2009-04-14 Filipino hotel workers as well as those whose occupation belong to the low skilled category can no longer be accepted to enter United Kingdom (UK) for employment purposes. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1108/Daily-OAV-Registration-for-OFWs-in-Saudi.html 2009-04-10 For this reason, the previous five days allotted for OFWs to register every week is now extended to seven days. Since April 3, OAV registration in Saudi Arabia is being held daily. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1107/Special-Travel-Permits-for-Long-Time-OFWs-in-Nigeria.html 2009-04-06 The deployment ban in Nigeria remains but according to Vice President and presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Noli De Castro, land-based OFWs who have been working for more than 10 years there are now entitled to avail of special travel permits http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1101/Job-Fair-Schedule-This-April.html 2009-04-02 For the month of April, jobseekers can check out the following events for possible job openings and career opportunities. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1104/Entry-of-OFWs-in-Lebanon-and-Jordan-Now-Allowed.html 2009-04-02 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) agreed to the lifting of deployment ban in two Middle Eastern counties, Lebanon and Jordan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1100/Deployment-Ban-in-Lebanon-to-be-Lifted-Soon.html 2009-04-01 However, OFWs may soon be allowed to enter in this Middle East state as foreign workers again as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently announced that the armed conflict in Lebanon has already ended, making it a safe place for OFWs to be employed. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1080/Online-Portal-for-Displaced-OFWs-in-UAE.html 2009-03-25 To assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in United Arab Emirates who were laid off from their jobs, an online portal that would help retrenched OFWs get a new job were set up by Philippine labor officials. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1082/OFWs-in-Korea-Gets-Assistance-from-DOLE.html 2009-03-19 Before overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Korea feel the negative effects of the global financial crisis and lose their jobs, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is ready for an intervention. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1072/Saudi-s-Unified-Contract-Scheme-is-Now-Optional.html 2009-02-16 A joint meeting held last January 21 between the Philippine and Saudi delegation led to an agreement that the proposed Saudi�s unified contract" policy will no longer be mandatory for the Philippine recruitment agencies that sends overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) to Saudi Arabia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1071/OFWs-Urged-to-Register-for-2010-Elections.html 2009-02-06 The registration for absentee voters has started last February 1, and will be open until August 31 of this year. To be eligible, Filipino migrants and overseas workers should be 18 years old and above. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1061/WorkAbroad-Names-The-Best-Recruitment-Agencies-in-Town-.html 2009-02-04 December 10, 2008 is a memorable day for the overseas recruitment industry as WorkAbroad.ph, the leading online overseas jobs board in the Philippines holds the 2nd WorkAbroad Recognition Award (A Salute to Effective Online Recruitment). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1054/Special-Training-Program-for-OFWs-Bound-to-Middle-East.html 2009-02-02 The labor attach� said the hands on training will involve the use of modern equipment. Munder said, "This time, the special training program will benefit the Filipino workers themselves." http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1057/DOLE-Provides-Center-For-Unemployed-OFWs.html 2009-01-13 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is extending its assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who lost their jobs as an effect of the global economic crisis by opening a center that will cater to the needs of displaced OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1049/Special-Visas-for-OFW-employers.html 2009-01-04 The global economic slowdown affects most overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who have been laid off and were sent back home with nothing. Thus, recruitment groups in the Philippines request the government to grant special visas to OFW employers so they can continue with the hiring of OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1051/No-Placement-Fee-Policy-for-HSWs-in-Taiwan-Still-in-Effect.html 2008-12-22 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued a reminder that the �no placement fee policy� for household service workers (HSWs) bound to Taiwan is still in effect. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1048/Filipino-Welders-In-demand-Than-Other-Workers.html 2008-12-20 The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) stated that Filipino welders are more in-demand in industry here in the Philippines as well as overseas than any other workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1029/Special-Visa-for-Foreign-Investors-in-the-Philippines.html 2008-12-10 With the aim to create employment opportunities for its citizens, the Philippines will provide a special visa to foreign businessmen whose undertakings and projects will produce jobs for its people. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1020/Slowdown-in-the-Deployment-of-OFWs-in-Taiwan-and-South-Korea-Expected.html 2008-12-02 The number of Filipino factory workers being hired in Taiwan and South Korea dropped and this trend is expected to continue until next year according to the Philippine recruitment industry. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1024/POEA-Plans-to-Revise-Recruitment-Rules.html 2008-11-20 There are rules and procedures involved in the process of recruiting and sending Filipino workers overseas. This is necessary considering the fact that what our country is exporting is its greatest asset - the human resources. However, there maybe some rules that are not significant and are just delaying the process. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-1009/Saudi-s-Unified-Contract-is-Indefinitely-Suspended.html 2008-10-25 The implementation of the Saudi�s unified contract scheme, a proposed system in the recruitment and deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound to Saudi Arabia is indefinitely suspended. This new development is the result of the agreement reached by authorities of recruitment agencies in the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-998/DFA--DOLE--Deployment-Ban-in-Lebanon-and-Jordan-Stays.html 2008-10-13 The DFA spokesman Claro S. Cristobal said, "There is still a full deployment ban to Lebanon and a partial ban to Jordan, meaning there should be no new deployment there. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-993/Latest-News-and-Advisories-from-POEA.html 2008-10-07 A memorandum of agreement was signed between the Philippines and the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia and Alberta creating lots of job opportunities for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-990/Updates-on-the-Proposed-Saudi-s-Unified-Contract-Scheme.html 2008-09-29 A new policy on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Saudi Arabia called the unified contract scheme was supposed to take effect last September 1. The decision of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia to suspend its implementation is favored by groups of recruitment agencies which strongly opposed the new policy claiming that it will make OFWs more prone to exploitation. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-983/Latest-News-Affecting-OFWs.html 2008-09-17 President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) appoints Jennifer Manalili as the new administrator for the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Manalili will replace former POEA chief, Rosalinda Baldoz http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-979/New-POEA-Rule-on-Processing-Employment-Contract-of-Seafarers.html 2008-09-15 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) released Memorandum Circular No. 05 (Series of 2008) regarding the processing of Seafarers� Employment Contracts during week-ends and holidays. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-970/Post-Study-Work-Visa-in-UK-Now-Possible.html 2008-09-11 The United Kingdom (UK) has a new visa scheme called Post-study Work visa for international students from the non-member countries of the European Economic Area (EEA). After studying in UK for at least one year or obtaining an undergraduate or postgraduate certificate/diploma, foreign students including Filipinos are now entitled to a two-year work visa. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-969/Special-Hiring-Program-for-OFWs-in-Taiwan-Signed.html 2008-09-01 A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the government of Taiwan and the Philippines was recently signed making it possible for employers in Taiwan to directly hire overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).The recruitment scheme is also called the Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-930/Schedule-for-the-Registration-of-2010-Election.html 2008-08-24 The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced that the registration for overseas absentee voting for May 10, 2010 national election will start on December 1, 2008 up to August 31, 2009. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-966/Group-of-Recruitment-Agencies-Against-Saudi-s-Unified-Contract.html 2008-08-22 The largest organization of licensed landbased recruitment agencies in the Philippines, the Philippine Association of Service exporters in the Philippines (PASEI), is against the implementation of a Recruitment and Manpower Deployment Contract (aka unified contract scheme ) being proposed by the Saudi National Recruitment Committee, (Sanarcom), a Saudi recruitment agency. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-963/New-Rules-on-Deployment-of-OFWs-in-Australia.html 2008-08-14 With the rising demand for Filipino workers in Australia, the newly established Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Sydney, Australia and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) felt the need to revised Memorandum Circular No. 4, series of 2006. The said memorandum contains the guidelines on the recruitment and deployment of Filipino workers to Australia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-961/Stay-of-Foreign-Workers-in-Korea-Extended-to-5-Years.html 2008-08-10 Foreign workers in South Korea are now allowed to work for five straight years. Previous rule only permit three straight years of work with an enforced one-month vacation leave to be spent outside of Korea. With the new policy, foreign workers can opt not to have the one-month leave. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-803/Pinay-wives-living-out-Korean-telenovellas.html 2008-07-31 FOR nearly a decade, more than six thousand Filipino women are living out what�re usually depicted in Korean romance telenovellas. It is life imitating art, according to the latest study on cross-border marital arrangements in Korea or inter-racial marriages between Koreans and other nationalities. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-907/Labor-Education-for-EPS-Korea-Workers-Signed.html 2008-07-23 Filipino workers bound to Korea need to learn about occupational safety and health, and gain knowledge about the labor policies of Korean labor laws such as the Labor Standards Act, Minimum Wage Act and the Foreign Employment Act. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-934/Passport-Services-for-OFWs-in-POEA.html 2008-07-19 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) need not go to the main office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to obtain a passport. They can take care of their passport needs right at POEA because the DFA satellite office there now gives full-service passport services for OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-940/Oversupply-of-Nurses-.html 2008-07-10 Could it be that the Philippines got too excited about the demand for nurses worldwide that today, there are too many nurses than the healthcare institutions can handle. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-917/Illegal-Recruitment-Complainants-Gets-Incentive.html 2008-07-05 In spite of the rampant campaign of the government to stop illegal recruitment activities, illegitimate recruiters continue to proliferate and come up with schemes that victimize innocent Filipino workers robbing them of their money and dreams. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-920/Free-Calls-for-OFWs-in-UAE.html 2008-06-12 on that day (June 13, 2008), free long distance calls to the Philippines will be given to low-income and unskilled OFWs in Dubai and northern regions of UAE. Starting at 11 a.m. they can enjoy free calls at Al Nasr Leisureland. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-918/Online-Registration-System-for-OFWs.html 2008-06-11 Good news to all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Now there is a faster and more convenient way to apply for their clearances as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) launched an online registration system. The new system aims to speed up the documentation process of all departing and returning OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-914/Overseas-Mega-Jobs-Expo-on-May-31-.html 2008-05-27 The event dubbed as the Para�aque City Summer 2008 Overseas Mega Jobs Expo will be held on May 31, 2008 (Saturday). Event's venue will be the air-conditioned 3/F, Entertainment Area, Building B of SM Sucat Mall, Sucat Road, Para�aque City. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-903/Saudi-Requires-Fingerprinting-In-Resident-Permits-of-Expatriates.html 2008-05-22 There is a new requirement for all foreign workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) who wish to obtain their iqama or residency permits. The government of KSA now implements mandatory fingerprinting for all expatriates or foreign workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-900/New-Immigration-Bill-in-CNMI-to-Benefit-OFWs.html 2008-05-16 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) have reason to rejoice as the president of the United States of America (USA); George Bush recently approved the bill that would apply the US federal immigration law to CNMI. An estimated number of 10,000 legal OFWs in CNMI are said to benefit from this new development. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-901/Hepatitis-C-Added-to-List-of-Deportable-Diseases-in-UAE.html 2008-05-13 Starting July 1, 2008, all foreigners applying for residency and labor visas (either first time or renewal) should prove themselves clear of the following diseases: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis and hepatitis B and the recently added hepatitis C or else they will be deported. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-895/Special-Scholarship-Program-for-Would-Be-Nurses.html 2008-05-10 High school graduates who are thinking of taking up a course in nursing or marine would have an opportunity to have their four years of college education subsidized. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-883/New-Remittance-Scheme-for-OFWs-Proposed.html 2008-05-02 As of this writing, the Philippine peso continues to gain strength against the dollar creating an additional burden to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are supposedly the new heroes of the land. To ease their toll, recruitment companies suggested a new remittance scheme called pay-rolling system. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-885/OFWs-in-Hong-Kong-Gets-Free-Training.html 2008-04-26 Accoding to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) secretary, Marianito Roque, the first training will be a call center training program which is scheduled to begin on May 4. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-891/Kingston--Canada-Invites-Filipino-Workers.html 2008-04-22 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informed that another Canadian province wants to attract Filipino workers. According to DFA, the mayor of Kingston Canada, Mayor Harvey Rosen expressed his goal to make the town of Kingston a key destination for migrant workers, specifically Filipinos. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-873/Salary-Increase-for-HK-Domestic-Helpers.html 2008-04-20 The meeting between Roque and the Matthew Cheung, Hong Kong's Permanent Secretary for Labor and Welfare resulted to a slight increase in the wages of household help from foreign countries. The said increase is expected to be announced and implemented in June of this year. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-886/Filipino-Workers-Needed-in-Nova-Scotia--Canada.html 2008-04-17 The chairman of the Commission of Filipinos Overseas, Dante Ang said, "We have an abundance of well-educated and well-trained professionals in the Philippines and Nova Scotia has a shortage. More Filipinos will come to Nova Scotia, but there must be a process in place." http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-867/Job-Opportunities-in-France-for-Filipino-Workers.html 2008-04-10 The France Ambassador said, �There will be more Filipinos in France because we have also new regulations for migration. If Filipino workers want to come to France, it is easier now.� http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-865/OFWs-in-Hong-Kong-Hold-No-Remittance-Day.html 2008-04-02 To express their protest against a corrupt government and to support the call for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to resign, the group United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UniFil)is encouraging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) not to send money to their families and loved ones in the Philippines every first Sunday of the month. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-856/Salary-Increase-for-Nurses-in-Saudi.html 2008-03-17 The salaries of nurses� working in the Health Ministry of the Kingdom will increase from 20 to 60 percent. The current salary of nurses is SR 2,250 to SR4, 000 (more or less P25, 000 to P44, 000). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-851/WorkAbroad-Book--Free-Copies-to-Be-Given-Away---.html 2008-03-12 As of this writing, 54% out of 291 respondents of the ongoing OFWGuide.com poll survey said that they never saw the book while 34% wants to own a copy. As a response from this survey, WokAbroad.ph are giving away free copies of the book!!! http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-847/2nd-OFW-Jobs-Fair-at-Sta--Lucia-East.html 2008-03-11 Catch the 2nd OFW Jobs and Livelihood Fair on March 27-29, 2008 (10am-7pm) at the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall (Cainta, Rizal). To register as a jobseeker, log on to http://www.ofwjobsph.com/ http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-850/Urgent-Vacancies-for-Engineers-and-Skilled-Workers-in-Middle-East.html 2008-03-10 Saudi firms have job openings for the following positions: architectural designers, structural and electrical engineers, CAD operators, and many others. Interview schedules in Mori�s Manila office are ongoing from March 9-11 and 17-19. Another schedule for interview is set in the agency�s branch in Cebu City on March 12-16. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-833/Filipino-Skilled-Workers-needed-in-Manitoba-Canada.html 2008-03-09 The Canadian province is in need of skilled Filipino workers such as truck drivers, welders, machinists, boilermakers, sheet metal workers, glaziers, pipe fitters, plasterers, drywall installers, carpenters, cabinetmakers, bricklayers and stone masons. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-828/Online-Passport-Appointment-System-Now-Available.html 2008-02-28 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched �DFA Passport Appointment System by Internet�. This new system caters to passport applicants that now have the option to set an appointment with DFA and apply for passport via Internet. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-846/Staff-for-Saudi-Hospitals-Needed.html 2008-02-20 Government hospitals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have various vacancies for Filipino workers: nurses, medical Illustrator, administrative coordinator, accountant, social worker, etc. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-825/Attend-the-Overseas-Super-Mega-Jobs-Expo-.html 2008-02-12 Don�t miss this great opportunity to land an overseas job. Date: February 21-22, 2008 Time: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Place: Muti-Purpose Hall, Primeblock Building, Tutuban Mall, Divioria, Manila http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-834/Job-Openings-for-RP-Workers-in-Saudi-Hospital.html 2008-02-08 The KING SAUD UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL � COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY is in need of: Dental assistants, sterilization technician, computer programmers, and secretaries. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-824/Wanted--Nurses-for-US--Canada-and-New-Zealand.html 2008-02-04 The president of Greenfields International Manpower Services Inc, Federico Acdal, informed that registered Filipino nurses are in-demand in the following countries: United States of America (USA), Canada and New Zealand (NZ). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-816/RP-Teachers-Wanted-for-Maryland--USA.html 2008-01-27 More Filipino teachers are expected to be hired in Baltimore City, Maryland, USA. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported the intention of the Baltimore City Public School Board officials to hire an additional 178 public school teachers by summer of this year. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-813/Shipbuilding-Engineers-for-Two-Big-Companies-in-Korea.html 2008-01-19 Two Korean companies in the forefront of engineering & fabrication both for ships and offshore facilities, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) are in need of Filipino engineers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-792/Health-package-for-OFWs-and-Dependents.html 2007-12-28 The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhiliHealth) has expanded the Out-patient benefit package to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents to �Enhanced Overseas Workers Program Out-patient Benefit Package�. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-799/WorkAbroad-Honors-Top-Recruitment-Agencies.html 2007-12-25 The best recruitment agencies were honored in the recently concluded 1st WorkAbroad Recognition Award (A Salute to Effective Online Recruitment). The event displayed the corporate achievements of the recruitment agencies and gave prestige/recognition to their leadership and excellence. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-795/New-Law-to-Protect-OFWs-in-Saipan-from-Abuse.html 2007-12-18 The move to improve the working conditions of alien workers paved the way for the approval of bill H.R. 3079 or the NMI Immigration, Security and Labor Act (ISLA) by the US House of Representatives. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-788/POEA--Ready-for-OFWs-Returning-This-Christmas.html 2007-12-08 More overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) return during the month of December in time for the holidays. To make the vacation of OFWs more pleasant, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has prepared to make their services better for the thousands of returning OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-785/Attend-the-Mega-Job-Fair-at-Tutuban-.html 2007-11-30 The OFW Family Club in cooperation with the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc (PASEI) will hold a one day Overseas Mega Job Fair on December 07, 2007 (Friday) at the Tutuban Center C.M. Recto, Divisoria, Manila. The event is open to everyone. There is no entrance or registration fee. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-784/OFW-Reintegration-Caravans-to-Visit-Different-Cities.html 2007-11-28 Realizing the fact that some returning OFWs and their families need livelihood assistance, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its National Reintegration Center for overseas Filipino workers (NRCO) launched a series of OFW reintegration caravans. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-772/OWWA-to-set-up-Pension-fund-for-OFWs.html 2007-11-21 The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is planning to set up a pension fund for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) once they decided to stop working overseas and stay in the country instead. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-698/Hotline-Numbers-for-HSWs-in-Malaysia.html 2007-11-11 Household service workers are very vulnerable to abuse and this issue is a growing concern in Malaysia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-743/Counseling-Services-for-Seamen.html 2007-10-24 UGAT Foundation, (a Jesuit family-oriented group) together with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) launched a program called Daungan that aims to help Filipino seamen and their families cope with the loneliness and pressure that comes with their profession. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-746/Overseas-Jobs-Fair-Promotes-Entrepreneurship-Among-OFWs.html 2007-10-10 EventWorx Company in partnership with WorkAbroad.ph, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall, supported by The Philippine Daily Inquirer, presents OFW Jobs 2007: A Grand Recruitment and Livelihood Fair on October 18-20, 2007 at the Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-753/Filipino-Seamen-Wanted-by-Japanese-Shipping-Company.html 2007-10-10 K-Line Ship Management Co. Ltd., a Japanese shipping line plans to expand its operation in the Philippines in the next four years. (2008 to 2011). As part of the company's fleet expansion, they are set to acquire 300 new vessels. This would open employment opportunities for Filipino seamen. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-745/OWWA-Provides-Scholarships-for-OFW-Dependents.html 2007-09-30 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are active OWWA members may apply their qualified dependents to be a possible scholar. Chosen scholars can enroll to any four or five-year course in college. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-740/Apply-for-a-Housing-Loan-at-NAIA.html 2007-09-22 The Pag-Ibig Overseas Program, a project that offers financial assistance so OFWs can avail of housing loan are now available at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1 and 2. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-728/Senior-Pinoy-Caregivers-in-UK-Given-Work-Extension.html 2007-09-08 A new set of rules from the Borders and Immigration Agency of United Kingdom (UK) seems geared to the interest of numerous Filipino senior caregivers as it allows for the extension of their work contracts in UK. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-687/Permanent-Residency-for-OFWs-in-Saipan.html 2007-08-29 The US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the US Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) proposed an immigration bill that will benefit foreign workers there including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-729/POEA-Warnings.html 2007-08-27 Beware! Fake certificates of employment are sold by syndicates in Saudi Arabia to runaway and overstaying OFWs http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-703/Shipping-Complex-in-the-Philippines.html 2007-08-23 In the coming years, the China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) is set to build a shipping complex development project in Sangley Point, Cavite. The shipping company aims to develop an international transshipment point in a special economic zone. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-718/5-month-Pardon-for-Undocumented-Foreign-Workers-in-Bahrain.html 2007-08-13 From August 1 to December 31, illegal foreign workers in Bahrain have the chance to legalize their status or surrender without penalty. This is possible because of the five-month amnesty program implemented by Bahrain's government. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-702/New-Maritime-Office-Now-Open.html 2007-08-07 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) successfully launched a new Maritime Office geared at ensuring the country's leadership in shipmanning and boosting coordination among stakeholders in order to sustain the global opportunities for the overseas Filipino seafarers and promote their welfare. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-679/UK-Sponsor-to-be-Required-for-UK-Visa-Application.html 2007-08-05 One of the proposed changes presented to the UK Parliament last March is that all visa applicants in UK will now be required to have a UK sponsor. Under the new system, applicants for a UK visa will be classified into five levels and will be subject to a points-based system. This new rule will cover all foreign workers except the highly skilled. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-717/Immigrant-Visa-for-Foreign-Workers-in-Canada.html 2007-08-03 Due to the serious shortage of workers, it is possible that Canada will grant immigrant visas to foreign workers in the coming years. This is according to Peter Sutherland, the Ambassador of Canada to the Philippines. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-713/Extension-of-Contract-for-Loyal-Workers-in-Korea.html 2007-07-28 According to the POEA, OFWs in Korea under the Employment Permit System (EPS) who have worked for three consecutive years with only one employer gains an easier way to work again in Korea for another three years. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-712/Visa-of-OFWs-Bound-to-Korea-Can-Now-be-Processed.html 2007-07-20 Effective, July 19, 2007, the South Korean embassy lifted the suspension of visa processing of Filipino workers. The embassy lifted the suspension order after the Bureau of Immigration immediately responded by saying it would do what it can to stop the extortion activities. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-670/Chamber-of-Commerce-for-OFWs-pushed.html 2007-06-28 PEOPLE who built their business from working abroad are moving to form Chamber of Commerce to lure more overseas Filipino workers into becoming entrepreneurs http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-674/Peso-s-Gain-is-OFW-s-Bane.html 2007-06-24 IN A remittance slip, there was an additional US$50 that Cesar Dimasupil�s daughter Arlene sent from London. But he remained stoic. �That money would just even things out,� Dimasupil says of the dilemma that most families of overseas Filipino workers are facing under a stronger peso and a record-low inflation rate. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-683/Lower-Fees-for-OFWs-in-Italy.html 2007-06-22 The negotiation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (PGMA) with Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and President Giorgio Napolitano that results to good news for all OFWs in Italy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-671/Gov-t-says-open-to-redeploy-Pinoys-not-ready-to-return.html 2007-06-18 SUCCESSFULLY building a business after working abroad, Alberto Limbo Perez still couldn�t be pinned down in his own country. Luckily for him, a recently-built government center can give him that chance. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-691/45-Filipino-Engineers-to-Be-Hired-by-a-Company-in-Spain.html 2007-06-13 Tecnicas Reunicas, S.A (TRSA), the largest engineering and construction company in the oil and gas sector of Spain, sought the permission of Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Madrid to hire 45 Filipino engineers from the Philippines. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-664/More-Jobs-and-Better-Salary-for-OFWs-in-Taiwan.html 2007-05-22 According to Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief, Rosalinda Baldoz, Taiwan is set to increase the monthly wage of domestic helpers and factory workers. The current salary of USD 400 or Dh 1,469 will be raised to USD 700 or Dh 2,571. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-665/Statement-of-Labor-Secretary-Arturo-D--Brion-on-the-release-of-8-Filipino-hostages-in-Nigeria.html 2007-05-18 The reported release of eight (8) Filipino workers and three (3) Korean executives of Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company in Nigeria was confirmed to me by Labor Attache Rodolfo M. Sabulao who had been closely monitoring developments on the hostage-taking incident. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-661/Free-Training-for-Household-Service-Workers-from-TESDA.html 2007-05-16 Filipinos who wants to work as domestic helpers overseas can now avail of free training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the government agency (TESDA) started giving trainings and free assessment last April 20 for the Household Service Workers (HSWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-654/Good-News-from-South-Korea-and-UAE.html 2007-05-02 South Korea and United Arab Emirates (UAE) are one of the favorite destinations of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Today, the two countries have good news for OFWS who wants to work there. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-641/Health-Protection-for-OFWs.html 2007-04-28 Hospitalization, doctor's fees, and medicines can now be availed free as part of the valuable health care financing benefits of the National Health Insurance System of Philhealth. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-653/Filipino-Hospitality-Workers-in-demand-in-Canada.html 2007-04-18 Canada is currently experiencing shortage in tourism and hospitality workers such as food servers and housekeeping workers. According to some reports, Canadian employers consider hiring Filipino workers to fill the vacancy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-643/New-Policies-on-Canada-s-Temporary-Foreign-Worker-Program.html 2007-04-12 The statement from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) referring to the changes as improvements to the Temporary Foreign Worker program were met with criticisms and disapproval. Likewise, Filipino workers in Canada refuse to believe that the new rules are meant to address challenges that Canadian employers face. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-623/23--Age-Requirement-for-DH.html 2007-03-23 The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has set the minimum age requirement for Filipina domestic helper applying overseas to 23 years old, which before was 25 years old. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-614/More-Jobs-for-Filipinos-in-UAE.html 2007-03-21 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) rank second as top destination country of overseas Filipino workers. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) statistics in 2006 shows that there are 35,493 new hires deployed in this country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-632/Philippines-Now-a-Testing-Center-for-NCLEX.html 2007-03-09 The Philippines was recently granted permission by the US National Council of State Boards of Nursing to be a testing center for NCLEX. This is good new for all nurses who want to work in America. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-616/-Abroad-now-pay-later--Program-for-Samare-os.html 2007-03-03 The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Borongan, Eastern Samar is set to offer a �Abroad Now Pay Later� Plan to its residents who wants to work overseas but cannot finance the expenses needed in processing the application. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-637/Want-to-Work-in-Korea--EPS-Korea-registration-is-now-on-going.html 2007-02-28 The registration for Employment Permit System (EPS) Korea is now on-going. The registration is conducted at the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), North Avenue corner Agham Road, Diliman, Quezon City until March 9, 2007. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-631/8-Hours-of-Sleep-for-Filipino-Maids-in-Taipei.html 2007-02-24 The City Government of Taipei urged employers to allow Filipino maids to have eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night and let them have a separate room. This is in response to the appeal of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to foreign countries. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-635/Jobs-Fair-on-Edsa-Day.html 2007-02-23 POEA will be holding a jobs fair on Sunday, February 25, 2007. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-611/More-Butchers-in-2007.html 2007-02-20 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said that there�s a great demand for butchers overseas and it is continuously increasing not only in Australia but all over the world. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-566/Filipino-Seafarers--World-s-Most-Sought.html 2007-02-16 The Philippines is the leading supplier of maritime power. About 30% of the worlds� seafarers are Filipinos. They have been very in-demand all over the world. In fact, Filipino seafarers are the world�s most sought seafarers to meet the shipping industry�s growing need for maritime officers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-600/Land-Bank-Programs-for-OFWs.html 2007-02-14 The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) are set to offer beneficial programs for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) this year. The new program hopes to awaken the entrepreneurial spirit of OFWs by providing loans or investment opportunities, which can help them start a small business. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-605/Construction-Workers-needed-in-Guam.html 2007-02-10 The federal regulation that prevented H2-B skilled foreign workers from working in military construction projects in the country has been lifted late last year. For this reason, more foreign construction workers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are expected to land a job in Guam for military projects. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-602/Job-Opportunities-in-Subic-for-ex-OFWs.html 2007-01-31 Labor Secretary Arturo Brion has good news for former OFWs from Taiwan. The Labor chief said that there are possible jobs for displaced OFWs in the economic zones of Subic and Clark. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-612/Job-Fair-at-Fort-Bonifacio.html 2007-01-30 In commemoration of the 80th birthday of the late Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople, the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute will organize a one day job fair on February 2, Friday at the Central Plaza of Market! Market! mall in Fort Bonifacio from 9am to 7pm. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-586/Deployment-of-OFWs-in-Lebanon-Soon.html 2007-01-25 The Philippine government will soon lift the ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Lebanon and the Philippine Overseas Workers Administration will allow OFWs to enter in the said country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-574/100--Employment-for-Filipino-with-Technical-Skills-Training.html 2007-01-23 The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) said that graduates of vocational courses or those with technical skills training have 100% employment here in the Philippines and overseas primarily because of their tested expertise and industry. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-582/Angola-needs-Filipino-Workers.html 2007-01-05 Angola is the leading oil producer in Africa and is recognized as the fastest growing economy in the continent. Due to its rapid economic development, Angola will need Filipino skilled workers such as carpenter, loadmaster, foreman, crane operator, electrician, pipefitter and others. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-598/OFWs-in-demand-in-Korea.html 2007-01-01 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are highly in-demand in Korea. According to the director of the Foreign Workers Employment Assistance Team of the Korean Human Resources Development Service Cho Byung Gie, Filipinos are the most sought nationality of Korean employers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-565/Wage-Hike-for-OFWs-in-Saudi-Soon.html 2006-12-26 The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said that the salary Filipino workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) may increase plus other employment benefits for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-599/New-Rules-Protect-Filipino-Domestic-Helpers.html 2006-12-16 Household workers are vulnerable to all forms of abuse, so to protect their wellbeing the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) approved better policies in the recruitment process. It also sets the new minimum wage for domestic helpers at USD 400 or more or less Php 20,000.00. The new rules will be implemented starting December 16, 2006. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-587/2-000-Slots-for-Filipino-Nurses-in-Saudi.html 2006-12-10 The recruitment was entrusted by the Ministry of Health of Saudi to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) through the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia. Applicants for these positions are not subjected to pay for the placement fee. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-596/Pamaskong-Salubong-sa-OFWs.html 2006-12-08 The Philippine government considers Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as good investors due to the large amount that they contribute in our economy through their remittances. In recognition of their contribution, arriving OFWs who will spend their holiday season in the country will have a chance to win prizes in this year�s �Pamaskong Salubong sa OFWs.� http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-571/Canada-to-Hire-More-Filipino-Workers.html 2006-11-30 More overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are expected to work in Saskatchewan Province of Canada when the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Philippines and Canada were finalized. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-563/Europe-Opens-More-Jobs-for-OFWs.html 2006-11-28 The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Director Maria Cleofe R. Natividad said that there are market openings in European countries for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The said opportunities are not only for domestic helpers and health workers but as well as in other fields. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-564/OFWs--Verified-Income-Certificate--for-Easy-Way-to-Obtain-Livelihood-Project.html 2006-11-24 The labor group, Trade Union of the Philippines (TUCP), wants the government to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in obtaining loans as funds for their dependants� livelihood here in Philippines. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-581/About-20-000-Jobs-for-Foreign-Workers-in-Guam.html 2006-11-16 There are about 15,000 to 20,000 job opening in Guam for foreign workers from around the Pacific including the Philippines. Qualified applicants would build military facilities for the relocation of some 8,000 Marines from Okinawa. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-590/Filipinos-Not-Included-in-the-2007-Labor-Quota-of-Taiwan.html 2006-11-13 The Taiwan�s Council of Labor Affairs (CLA) recently announced the new labor quota of 80,000 foreign workers for the year 2007. The figure would greatly affect the deployment of OFWs because the number excludes Filipino workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-546/South-Korea-gives-Overseas-Opportunity-for-Filipinos.html 2006-11-12 South Korea is the new destination for Filipino skilled workers since the Philippines and South Korean government under the Employment Permit System (EPS) has assigned 10,000 slots for Filipino workers to work in their manufacturing, construction, agriculture/livestock, fisheries and services sectors in 2006. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-560/Russia-needs-some-Filipino-Workers.html 2006-11-08 Russia is currently looking for some skilled and professional Filipino workers. Skilled workers such as technician, electrician, and welder; and professional workers such as office staff and engineers are particularly needed in the country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-543/Malaysia-needs-Filipino-Workers.html 2006-11-04 Malaysia is a favorable destination for Filipinos aiming to work abroad due to its proximity. Currently, some skilled and professional Filipino workers are needed in Malaysia because of the country�s shortage with skilled manpower. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-561/US-Needs-About-700-Filipino-Nurses.html 2006-10-31 The United States of America (USA) is continuously facing a critical shortage with registered nurses (RNs) due to its rapid graying population, with regards to that, US is currently in need of some 700 licensed Filipino nurses. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-559/Japanese-Language-for-OFWs.html 2006-10-29 Following the nursing and caregiving job opportunity offered by Japan to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Philippine government is planning to offer Japanese courses soon in vocational schools accredited with state-run Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) according to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-542/Skilled-and-Professional-OFWs-needed-in-Bahrain.html 2006-10-27 More and more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) such as doctors, nurses, architects, engineers and educators are coming to Bahrain. Currently, there are more than 1,000 job openings available for skilled and professional overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Bahrain. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-580/Stricter-Entry-Policies-for-Taiwan-Bound-OFWs.html 2006-10-25 The government of Taiwan allows foreign workers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), to be employed for a maximum of three years. But numerous OFWs were able to return using false documents. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-573/TUCP-Condemns-Security-Surcharge-for-OFWs.html 2006-10-23 The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) imposed a $3.50 or P175 security surcharge for departing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), unfortunately it only gained criticism from the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-540/Qatar-Needs-Filipino-Workers.html 2006-10-15 Due to the booming industry of construction in Qatar, particularly hotels and restaurants, many OFWs are expected to be hired and be given a chance to work here. The country needs building and construction engineers, architects, and construction workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-576/Scholarship-for-OFW-Kins-for-SY-2007-08.html 2006-10-13 The application for the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP) for overseas Filipino workers kins is now accepted at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-572/1500-Filipino-Workers-needed-in-South-Korea.html 2006-10-11 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) announced that South Korea will need some 1,500 Filipino workers who have the knowledge on how to speak at least basic Korean language. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-570/Local-and-Overseas-Job-Fairs-this-October.html 2006-10-09 The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and other private companies are, again, offer local and overseas job fairs for you this month of October. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-532/Kazakhstan-needs-Filipino-Workers.html 2006-10-05 Due to its emerging economies, Kazakhstan is currently in need of Filipino professionals in medical field and technical experts in oil, energy and construction sectors. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-513/Iran-Needs-Engineers.html 2006-09-29 Over the next ten years Iran will needs at least one million housing units per year. These means that the country will need some engineers and construction workers for realization of their construction project. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-511/Japan-Soon-to-Accept-Entertainers-Again.html 2006-09-25 The Philippine Overseas Workers Administration (POEA) chief Rosalinda Baldoz is still optimistic that Filipino overseas performing artists (OPAs) can enter again in Japan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-545/1000-Filipino-Nurses-and-Caregivers-needed-in-Japan.html 2006-09-16 Japan, due to its rapid graying population, will hire some 400 nurses and 600 caregivers from the Philippines following the provision of the free trade agreement signed by Japan's Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-544/Don-t-Miss-the-Nationwide-Local-and-Overseas-Job-Fairs-this-September--.html 2006-09-14 The nationwide local and overseas job fairs will be happening particularly in Bislig City, Leyte, Taguig City, Caloocan City, Quezon City, Pasig City, Laguna, Muntinlupa, and Kidapawan City. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-524/IT--Engineers-needed-in-Japan.html 2006-09-09 The country is currently in need of information and technology (IT) professionals and engineers. Aside from that, after signing of the agreement between the Philippines and Japan, called Japan-Philippine Economic Partnership Agreement, medical workers can also enter in Japan. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-522/Better-Skills-and-Pay-for-Filipino-Domestic-Helpers.html 2006-08-26 The Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Arturo Brion said he had endorsed reforms that would improve the skills of Filipinos who plan to work as domestic helpers overseas. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-525/Housemaids-to-Supermaids-Soon--.html 2006-08-24 President Gloria Arroyo said that the Philippines will soon be sending supermaids instead of maids in safer areas in the Middle East. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-528/Filipino-Workers-needed-in-Canada-and-Singapore.html 2006-08-22 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration�s (POEA) list of job openings shows that Canada and Singapore need Filipino workers to fill vacancies in various positions. Canada basically needs skilled workers while Singapore needs some degree holders. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-521/Government-Proposed-Wage-Hike-for-Housemaids-Abroad.html 2006-08-16 The Philippine government proposed for 100% minimum wage hike of Filipino housemaids abroad since they are considered as the best workers among other nationalities. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-466/POEA-Battles-against-Illegal-Recruitment.html 2006-08-12 Illegal recruitment seems to be the most unbeatable enemy of every Filipinos' dream of working abroad. Thus, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is continuously fighting against illegal recruitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-493/Recruitment-Agency-now-serving-in-Vismin.html 2006-08-10 Reliable Recruitment Corp., a Manila-based recruitment agency, has opened its branch at the 2nd level of Raintree Mall in Cebu to cater applicants from Visayas and Mindanao due to the increasing number of Filipinos aiming to land a job abroad. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-520/DoLE-Assured-Safety-of-OFWs-in-Israel.html 2006-08-08 The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) assured safety of Filipino workers in Israel after the counter-offensive of Hezbollah soldiers that reportedly killed several Israeli civilians and soldiers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-507/Minimum-Salary-for-Housemaids-in-Bahrain-Set.html 2006-08-06 The Philippine government has set the minimum salary of Filipina housemaids in Bahrain to 75 Bahraini Dinar (BD) or approximately P10,000 as part of their campaign in protecting housemaids working in Bahrain and in other part of the Middle East. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-512/Livelihood-for-OFWs-from-Lebanon.html 2006-08-03 The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) promised to the returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the war-torn Lebanon that the government would provide them an alternative means of livelihood. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-455/Filipinos-Most-Sought-Workers-in-Saudi.html 2006-07-31 According to Saudi�s deputy foreign minister for foreign information Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Salama, honesty, friendliness and dependability are among the traits present in OFWs that make them in-demand to Saudi employers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-459/Filipino-workers-are-not-banned-in-UAE.html 2006-07-25 Legal Filipino workers bound to United Arab Emirates (UAE) need not be alarmed. There is no truth to the report that the Philippines wants to implement a partial or total ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to the United Arab Emirates, as confirmed by former Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas. She further explains that the UAE is only set to impose a new law that aims to control the trafficking of persons and children for profit and other illegal activities in t... http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-505/Libya-needs-Filipino-Workers.html 2006-07-23 During President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo�s two-day visit in Libya she said that she was able to make an agreement for health care and construction industry of the country as well as the assurance that it will prioritize hiring of Filipino workers for its construction projects. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-500/First-Aid-and-CPR-Course-for-OFWs-in-Brunei.html 2006-07-17 The Philippine Embassy in Brunei, with the coordination of Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is offering a First Aid and Cardiovascular Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to the Filipino workers in the said country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-491/Lower-bank-charges-for-OFW-remittances.html 2006-07-10 President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered to lower bank charges for the sake of hundreds of thousands of overseas Filipino workers all over the world. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-487/Butchers-in-Demand-in-Australia.html 2006-07-08 Butcher isn�t just a local means of living of the Filipinos nowadays. It has been in-demand in other countries particularly Brunei, Saudi Arabia, Palau, and Australia which is currently in need with this kind of workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-472/OFWs-in-Palau-Assured-of-Government-Protection.html 2006-07-07 To guarantee the safety of illegal Filipino workers, the Philippine embassy in Palau is working hard to ensure the good working conditions of all OFWs. Ambassador Mariño reported that he makes it a point to settle all labor disputes and address the different problems encountered by Filipinos here. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-490/More-Benefits-for-OFWs-in-Italy.html 2006-07-06 During President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo�s visit in Italy, she asked the Italian government for additional benefits for overseas Filipino working there, which includes the legalization of overstaying OFWs, automatic conversion of driver�s license and expanded social security benefits. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-475/E-Link-to-Expedite-OFW-Departure.html 2006-07-05 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has launched the OFW e-Link Deployment System last June 8, 2006, Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-489/More-Jobs-in-Spain.html 2006-07-03 On the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Philippines and Spain, the later is believe to be the hottest destination of skilled Filipino workers and other professionals. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-479/DFA-Link-with-OFWs--Deployment-in-Iraq.html 2006-07-02 The Department of Foreign Affairs officials were linked to the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Iraq despite the government�s ban of sending Filipinos in the said country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-473/Tourist-Workers-Vulnerable-to-Exploitation.html 2006-07-01 The number of Filipino �tourist workers� entering in United Arab Emirates (UAE), particularly in Dubai, is continuously increasing due to its images as �the promised land.� About 600, from 400 last year, according to the estimation of the consulate are entering the country daily. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-456/More-Jobs-for-Filipinos-in-Spain-and-Canada.html 2006-06-29 Spain and Canada will give another employment opportunity for Filipino workers. Approximately 500,000 jobs in the energy and medical industries of both countries await for the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-480/New-Labor-Secretary-Appointed.html 2006-06-23 Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye formally announced the appointment of former Court of Appeals Associate Justice Arturo D. Brion as the next Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) secretary. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-485/Government-Formed-Team-against-Recruiters-of-Iraq-bound-Filipino.html 2006-06-23 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said that the government has formed composite teams to fight against illegal recruiters involved in the deployment of undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Iraq. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-467/Israel-Raises-Minimum-Wage-of-Foreign-Workers.html 2006-06-21 A report from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tel-Aviv to the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said that the monthly minimum wage of foreign workers, including Filipinos, in Israel has raised from 3,335.18 NIS (P39,141.21) to 3,456.58 NIS (P40,568.04). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-450/In-Demand-Jobs-in-Australia.html 2006-06-17 The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) in Australia has release the Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) which identifies the list of occupations and specialization currently suffering from national shortage. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-452/New-Policies-for-OFWs-and-their-spouses-in-Ireland.html 2006-06-01 The Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas said that implementation of the new policies in Ireland, allowed some 2,000 Filipino caregivers in Ireland to undergo hospital training as nurses following the efforts of the Philippine Embassy officials in London to reach out and negotiate with the Irish government. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-449/Domestic-Helper-Course-Training-launched-in-Mindanao.html 2006-05-28 About 2,000 aspiring domestic helpers who have applied for overseas work we�re benefited of the domestic helper training course of the government which was launched in Soccsksargen Region or Region 12. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-448/More-Test-for-Workers-bound-to-Malaysia.html 2006-05-26 Malaysia stringent policy requires foreign workers to undergo compulsory medical examinations at least twice during their first year of stay in that country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-423/Aspiring-OFWs--File-Resignation-Six-Months-before-Departure.html 2006-05-24 The rapid increase of migration of Filipino professionals causes many sectors to suffer �brain drain.� For this reason, Filipino professionals seeking work abroad are required to file their resignation six months before their departure. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-438/Loan-Facility-for-OFWs-and-dependents-in-SoCot.html 2006-05-14 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents from South Cotabato (SoCot) can now avail of the newly opened loan facility of the provincial government. The said loan facility exclusively caters OFWs and their dependents based in the province. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-431/Special-Ed-Teachers-for-California.html 2006-05-04 About 50 special-ed teachers are needed this coming school year in the second-largest school in US, the Los Angeles Unified School District. Prior to that dozen of Filipino special-education teachers were added to as many as three dozen of Filipino special-ed teachers are working across San Francisco Bay, Oakland. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-439/Jeddah-Needs-170-Licensed-Nurses.html 2006-05-03 Recently, there are 154 Filipinos, who have finished eight-Friday trainings, joined the ranks of the computer literates in Jeddah. And now, Jeddah is currently in need for 170 licensed nurses. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-419/3-000-Working-Slots-for-Filipino-Workers-in-Italy.html 2006-04-04 Italy has reserved 3,000 working-immigrant slots for Filipinos after granting 170,000 permits for foreign workers. Out of this number, 1,000 slots are allocated for allocated for applicants such as managers, skilled and even unskilled workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-418/Job-Opportunities-for-Ilonggos.html 2006-04-02 Many job opportunities are waiting for Ilonggos on the up coming job fair on April 11, 2006 to be conducted by the Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO) leaded by Iloilo Sports Complex Head Bombit Heller. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-415/Australia-Needs-IT-Experts.html 2006-03-25 Australia has included IT experts as one of the in demand jobs in the Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL). This means that the demand for the said specialization is still a national shortage and everybody who has experience in the IT field is welcome to apply. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-405/Pinoy-Seafarers-in-Demand.html 2006-03-17 The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, Patricia A. Sto. Tomas said that despite the tough competition in global shipping, Filipino seafarers are still in demand and most preferred. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-413/Singapore-Honors-2-Filipinas.html 2006-03-17 Singapore rewarded two Filipinas with cash on the recently concluded Singapore's National Foreign Workers Day. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-402/Job-Opportunity-for-OFWs-in-Bahrain--Qatar-and-UAE.html 2006-03-07 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) says that the infrastructure project in Bahrain, Qatar and United Arab Emirates will give many overseas Filipino workers more employment opportunities. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-360/OFW-opportunities-in-Abu-Dhabi--to-soar-in-the-next-five-years.html 2006-02-21 OFWs would have lots of opportunities in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi for its future projects intended to attract tourism, energy, and construction sectors. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-359/Kuwait-Ensured-DHs-Working-Conditions-and-Rights.html 2006-02-13 The Kuwaiti government will implement a new measure in order to protect foreign DHs and to improve the working conditions in their country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-389/OFWs--Worlds--Preference.html 2006-02-07 The overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has been global economy�s in demand and surges in 2005 according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), even there�s a new Japanese visa regulation for Filipino entertainers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-401/Philippines-and-Bahrain-Signed-New-Rights-for-Filipino-Maids.html 2006-02-07 Philippines and Bahraini authorities both agreed to the new contract that gives the Filipino housemaids the right to walk out if their employers maltreat them. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-399/Job-Opportunities-in-Israel.html 2006-02-05 According to the Philippine Ambassador to Israel Antonio Modena, the government is negotiating with the Israeli authorities for the job opportunities that would be in store for more OFWs and the implementing rules to ensure their legal entry in the country. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-351/Sweden-may-employ-more-OFWs.html 2006-01-24 The Department of Labor and Employment said that Sweden may employ more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-347/Lawsuit-filed-vs--U-S--Embassy.html 2006-01-20 Reeves & Associates, an immigration law firm, has filed a lawsuit against the Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Manila, Philippines to stop improper questioning of individuals concerning experimental use of drugs in order to impose a lifetime bar for qualified visa applicants seeking to enter the United States. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-379/20M-OFWs-needed-in-Europe.html 2006-01-04 Secretary Sto. Tomas said that Europe would need more foreign workers and certainly the projected requirements for foreign workers in Europe would attract OFWs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-387/3-000-OFWs-for-New-Caledonia.html 2006-01-02 INCO-GORO Nickel Company of New Caledonia (INCO) would need 3,000 overseas Filipino workers for a scale mining in 2006. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-372/Israel-moves-to-hire-more-OFWs.html 2005-12-27 The Israeli government now allows Israelis 85 years old and above to hire foreign workers. Around 20,000 Israeli senior citizens will be covered by Israel's National Insurance. This translates to more job opportunities for caregivers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-378/Unskilled-OFWs-maybe-deployed-again.html 2005-12-12 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) gives another chance for the unskilled overseas Filipino workers to be deployed with the minimum wage of $200 per month. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-373/Attend-the-December-Overseas-Mega-Job-Fair.html 2005-12-05 The OFW Family Club in cooperation with the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc (PASEI) is organizing a one day Overseas Mega Job Fair on December 11 (Sunday) at the Philippine Trade and Training Center. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-358/DLS-CSB-Offers-College-Scholarships.html 2005-11-26 De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)�s School of Management and Information Technology is offering scholarships to motivated working students and professionals under the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Business Management and Marketing Management. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-349/65--000-jobs-for-OFWs-in-government-s-new-program.html 2005-11-05 The POEA�s new program would create 65, 000 new high-value and professional jobs for overseas Filipino workders. This would also offset the 55, 000 jobs lost from Japan�s new hiring policy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-350/Nurses--beware-of-illegal-recruitment-in-Australia.html 2005-10-26 If you�re planning to work in Australia, especially if you�re a nurse, beware of illegal recruiters. You might end up being victimized by these illegal transactions so check this out first! http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-348/Opportunities-for-OFWs-in-Taiwan-and-Singapore--vibrant-and-promising---DOLE.html 2005-10-21 Expect a vibrant and promising job opportunities in Taiwan and Singapore, especially in the field of teaching and banking and finance, as these countries continue to prefer overseas Filipino workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-343/Top-20-OFW-Destinations.html 2005-10-10 Want to work abroad? These are the top 20 OFW global destinations. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-276/Jobs-in-the-Middle-East-still-available.html 2005-09-12 Reuters reported that the modernized Middle Eastern countries still rely on foreign labor to further improve their economy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-279/Half-a-million-OFWs-sent-abroad-within-half-of-2005.html 2005-09-11 The Department of Labor and Employment reported that half a million Filipinos have been deployed to different parts of the world during the first six months of the year. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-288/Filipino-Nurses-Fight-Back.html 2005-09-07 There have been many stories about foreign nurses, physical therapists and occupational therapists getting exploited, and they don�t complain either because they are afraid about their immigration status or they simply ignore it. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-294/List-of-Katrina-Victims.html 2005-09-06 The Philippine News Service has a partial list of the Filipinos affected by hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, and are now in Houston, Texas, where they are living with friends and benefactors and had talked to the evacuees. They all need help: food, lodging, money, diapers, and all life's essentials plus assistance in getting help with governmental agencies and other resources. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-292/100-000-job-openings-in-Australia.html 2005-08-29 Australia needs 100,000 skilled workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-291/Job-World-2005--Reload-.html 2005-08-26 Find out more job opportunities around the world for all industry sectors on September 9 to 10! http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-278/Jobs-in-Kuwait-await-Pinoy-OFWs.html 2005-08-23 According to DOLE, an employment provider from Kuwait has offered 1,000 household work positions to repatriated Pinoy migrant workers from Sabah and is planning to hire more Filipino Overseas Workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-272/OFWs-with-expired-visas-asked-to-leave-Oman.html 2005-08-17 The Sultanate of Oman will soon undertake a crackdown on overstaying foreigners including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with expired visas in a bid to weed out undesirable aliens from the sultanate, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-289/H-1B-Visa-Numbers-Gone.html 2005-08-12 As we have discussed in previous articles, the H-1B visa is subject to a yearly cap. The USCIS reached the cap on August 10, 2005, so no more new petitions will be accepted until April of 2006. Last year, the numbers ran out on October 1, 2004. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-267/Australia-has-50-000-job-openings-for-Filipinos.html 2005-07-26 POEA recently stated the need of Australia for 50,000 Filipino OFWs. Find out more here... http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-261/Nurses-May-Now-Take-NCLEX-in-Hong-Kong.html 2005-07-21 Foreign nurses often ask us, �How do I immigrate to the U.S. as an RN?� Most RNs know that there is a shortage of nurses in the U.S. and that a fast-track process to the green card is in place for foreign RNs sponsored by U.S. employers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-259/Pinoy-seafarers-cited-among-world-s-competent-mariners.html 2005-07-15 The Department of Labor stated that the Philippines has further firmed up its position as the number one global supplier of maritime workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-260/Overseas-Job-Fair.html 2005-07-09 Attend DZRH-PASEI's Overseas Job Fair on July 15, 2005! http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-258/More-professionals--skilled-workers-deployed-abroad.html 2005-07-06 The employment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is shifting gradually from low-end to higher-end occupation with the upsurge in the job orders for Filipino professional workers abroad, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)said. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-256/Employment-Visa-Processing-To-Be-Suspended.html 2005-06-19 Bad news is coming in quick succession for Filipinos and other foreign workers who intend to enter the US via employment-based immigration. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-245/Incentive-for-voluntary-leavers-in-Korea.html 2005-06-15 Filipinos workers in Korea whose E-9 visa will expire from March to August 2005 are urged to leave voluntarily. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-244/Outstanding-OFWs-generated-huge-savings-for-their-companies.html 2005-06-06 Nine Filipino blue-collar workers who generated millions in annual savings on production and other costs for their companies have been cited by CEOs in a gathering praising these workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-243/Hiring-of-Filipino-Nurses-in-US-seen-to-resume.html 2005-05-27 The resumption in hiring of Filipino nurses in the United States is now possible with the passage of a law incorporating an amendment which provides for the recall of employment immigrant visas which were unused from 2001 to 2004. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-247/The-1st-Philippine-Job-Congress.html 2005-05-26 The grandest career event to take place in the country, The 1st Philippine Job Congress expects 5,000 people to troop to Megatrade Hall 3 at SM Megamall on June 5 and 6, 2005. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-246/Bush-Signs-Law-Giving-50-000-Visas-for-RNs-and-PTs.html 2005-05-19 US Pres. Bush signed into law last May 11, the supplementary spending bill that recaptures 50,000 unused immigrant visa numbers from 2001 to 2004. The 50,000 visa numbers are specifically allocated for registered nurses (RNs) and physical therapists (PTs), most of whom are from the Philippines. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-242/All-Filipino-crew-of-M-V-Magellan-replaced.html 2005-05-12 The entire 20-man crew of the M/V Magellan Phoenix � all Filipino seamen � was replaced by Indian sailors and held by the United States Attorney�s office as witnesses in a maritime dumping investigation. The latter was triggered by a complaint of alleged harassment filed with the U.S. Coast Guard by the ship�s assistant messman against the chief engineer, the vessel�s fourth ranking officer. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-233/Hotel-and-Restaurant-Jobs-in-Demand.html 2005-04-18 POEA�s Labor Assistance Center says there are almost 400,000 Filipinos around the world with Hotel and Restaurant Jobs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-231/Pinoys-Wanted-for-Construction-Jobs-in-US.html 2005-04-12 Department of Labor says although there is a temporary halt in the issuance of visas to foreign workers, Pinoys will still be hired for jobs in the United States. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-232/More-Destinations-for-Pinoy-Entertainers.html 2005-04-06 Although Japan has imposed stricter rules for immigrants, which has affected our Overseas Performing Artists, our kababayans now have 23 countries to choose from. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-220/5-168-OFWs-jailed--about-900-denied-of-OWWA-services.html 2005-03-09 In 2004, many overseas Filipino workers suffered not only separation from their loved ones but also various forms of abuse, ranging from unjust detention to mysterious deaths. These were made worse by the inability of the government to provide the assistance due them. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-218/OFWs-in-Canada--On-the-Rise.html 2005-03-03 The Philippines is now the third largest source country of immigrants to Canada and the fourth largest visible community in Canada. So, how is it living in Canada? http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-216/More-OFWs-migrating-to-Korea.html 2005-02-25 After the Korean government abandoned its old policy limitations in hiring foreign workers, more OFWs are now on their way to South Korea. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-214/WorkAbroad-OFWGuide-creator-joins-MyTrabaho-Match.html 2005-02-20 Quantum X(creator and manager of WorkAbroad/OFWGuide.com) joins Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Broadcasting Company, Optimus Innovations, STI, and MyTrabaho.com in launching the My Trabaho public service program. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-201/DOLE-helps-OFWs-find-work-in-Caribbean-countries.html 2005-02-15 Carribean nations -- Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago (T & T), and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) -- are in need of teachers, nurses, and pharmacists. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-209/Undocumented-Filipinos-Avail-Amnesty.html 2005-02-03 Out of the estimated 100,000 undocumented Filipinos in Malaysia, 15,000 took advantage of the government's amnesty program for illegal residents. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-169/Amnesty-for-Filipino-Illegal-Residents-in-Kuwait.html 2005-01-22 DOLE said that about 300 Filipinos illegally residing and working in Kuwait have started availing the amnesty program being offered by the Kuwaiti government. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-191/More-Filipino-tsunami-survivors-to-arrive.html 2005-01-09 The Philippines mourns and reaches out to the victims of tsunamis. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-176/Japan-firm-on-tighter-policies-for-Filipino-entertainers.html 2005-01-03 Japan will continue its new immigration policy imposing stricter standards on Filipino entertainers http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-186/Work-permit-of-nurses-in-America-to-be-blocked.html 2004-12-28 US immigration officials will temporarily block nurses from getting their US work permit starting January 1 http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-181/FPJ-popular-in-Japan.html 2004-12-23 But the initials do not stand for Fernando Poe Jr. but "Filipinos Punta Japan". http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-174/Japan-s-tighter-hiring-policies-cause-OPA-s-rally.html 2004-12-21 Overseas Performing Artists (OPA's) and local recruiters rallied last Dec. 16 in protest of Tokyo's plan to tighten hiring policies. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-170/Japan-Limits-Immigration-of-Foreign-Workers.html 2004-12-12 The revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-171/Another-Overseas-Job-Fair-For-You-.html 2004-12-09 WorkAbroad.ph invites you to another event full of opportunities! http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-166/Overseas-Job-Fair--04--Ang-OFW-Ngayon-s-Pride.html 2004-11-24 Ang OFW Ngayon, the first OFW newspaper in the country, concluded the Overseas Job Fair last November 22 as a success as hundreds of Filipinos joined and registered. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-162/WorkAbroad-ph-sponsors-Overseas-JOB-FAIR-2004.html 2004-11-18 WorkAbroad.ph proudly sponsors Ang OFW Ngayon's Overseas Job Fair 2004 on November 22, 2004 http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-161/23-Philippine-Nursing-Schools-Disqualified.html 2004-11-12 The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) enumerates the 23 nursing schools that failed to comply with its standards. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-158/US-lacks-110-000-nurses--other-health-care-workers.html 2004-11-09 Davao City (4 November) -- The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Washington, D.C. has reported a significant manpower shortage in the US health care industry. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-147/Overseas-Workers-Play-Pivotal-Role-in-Economy.html 2004-10-28 Once again, the Filipino overseas workers (OFWs) came to the aid of the Philippine economy through their remittances. (with related article from The Manila Standard: Editorial Page, Oct. 27, 2004) http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-150/The-Real-Score-on-RN-s-in-the-US.html 2004-10-20 The nursing shortage in the US has caused quite a commotion, especially in the Philippines, as more and more nurses wish to venture into the greener pastures of America. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-142/Jobs-and-Seminars---the-4th-Job-Fair---The-Mega.html 2004-10-08 Polish and print those resumes, dress up and smile because the 4th Job Fair @ The Mega is in town. Read more about this event that offers jobseekers local and overseas jobs. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-132/DOLE--POEA-Calls-For-Competitiveness-For-OFWs-Bound-To-HK.html 2004-09-12 The decline in HK deployment of Filipino domestic helpers (DHs) has only proven the stiff competition posed by the Indonesians. Reports say that Indonesians are accepting lower wages than their Filipino counter parts. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-127/Bilateral-Agreement-of-Israel-and-Philippines-Pushed-for-OFWs.html 2004-09-03 Presidential Adviser for OFWs and Vice President Noli de Castro has urged for a bilateral agreement for Israel and Philippines that aims to advance OFW welfare in Israel. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-126/The-Search-for-the-Bagong-Bayani.html 2004-08-31 The Bagong Bayani Awards (BBA) is a national search for the country�s outstanding and exemplary Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as our �modern-day heroes" http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-119/2-000-Nurses-and-Medical-Workers-Needed-for-Saudi.html 2004-08-09 Recruitment is now ongoing at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for some 2,000 nurses and other medical personnel for deployment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-114/Angelo-s-Journey-from-Hostage-to-Home.html 2004-07-24 A look back on the two weeks when the Philippines was put into hot seat as Angelo de la Cruz was at the mercy of Iraqi militants http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-108/New-Task-Force-Ordered-to-Hunt-Illegal-Recruiters.html 2004-07-18 Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed an executive order creating the Presidential Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment . She announced this during her speech at the Overseas Worker's Summit. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-105/DFA-alerts-OFWs-of-Japan-s-New-Immigration-Laws.html 2004-07-03 Secretary of Foreign Affairs Delia Domingo Albert, recently alerted OFWs and their families of the imminent full implementation of Japan�s new Immigration Laws http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-103/Absentee-Voter-s-Law-Questioned.html 2004-06-27 Now that the canvassing was finally over, certain issues regarding the elections are now being tackled. One of them was the implementation of the Absentee Voter�s Law. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-102/Manpower-Pooling-For-Iraq-Resumes.html 2004-06-22 After conflicts and several issues, Philippine recruitment agencies can now resume manpower pooling for Iraq under certain conditions http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-91/WorkAbroad-ph-yields-more-applicants-than-Manila-Bulletin.html 2004-05-31 WorkAbroad.ph recently visited one of its member agencies, Galaxy Services Inc. (GSI), and came up with a startling revelation http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-85/OFW-Insurance-Package-now-available-online---WorkAbroad-Ph.html 2004-05-10 WorkAbroad.Ph, a website that offers overseas jobs to Filipinos, and Malayan Insurance, the number one non-life insurance in the country, would like to introduce to everyone the most comprehensive personal accident and hospitalization insurance package for our Overseas Filipino Workers and their families, the Malayan's OFW Bantay Pamilya. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-81/POEA-Warns-Jobseekers--DO-NOT-Accept-Tourist-Visas.html 2004-04-06 Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reiterates her warning to jobseekers and prospective OFWs to deal only with licensed recruitment agencies and NOT to accept tourist visas to avoid illegal recruitment. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-80/Gov-t-Sets-up-Hotline-vs-Illegal-Recruiters.html 2004-03-30 Aimed at strengthening the government's campaign against illegal recruitment, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have joined forces to extend Hotline 117 to the victims of illegal recruiters. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-75/POEA-Announces-New-Israeli-Visa-Guidelines.html 2004-03-23 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) releases a travel advisory informing Filipinos and prospective overseas Filipino workers of the new rules implemented by the Embassy of Israel on visa issuance. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-71/POEA-Warns-Caregivers--No-Employment-Prospects-in-Japan.html 2004-03-02 Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz warned Filipino workers desiring to work as caregivers in Japan that the caregiver sector in said country is still closed to foreign workers. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-69/US-Worker-Visa-Limit-Reached.html 2004-02-27 US federal immigration officials on February 24 announced that they won't accept any more applications for the H-1B visa program that allows United States companies to hire skilled foreign professionals in the US. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-67/Five-Agencies-Closed-Due-to-Illegal-Recruitment.html 2004-02-20 Five more recruitment agencies were padlocked in January 2004 due to illegal recruitment. The closure operations are the result of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration's (POEA) continuous and intensified campaign against illegal recruiters. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-64/Baldoz-Urges-OFWs-to-Document-at-POEA-for-Protection.html 2004-02-06 Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) urges overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to have their papers processed at POEA for proper documentation. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-62/COA-Confirms-Albert-as-DFA-Chief.html 2004-01-30 Commission on Appointments (COA) chaired by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon on January 28 confirmed the appointment of Delia Domingo Albert as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The Secretary immediately expressed her appreciation to the members of the Committee and pledged to address all the matters that were brought to her attention by the Commission members. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-59/Deployment-of-Filipino-Seafarers-Projected-to-Increase.html 2004-01-20 The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is optimistic that employment of seafarers will continue to increase by 5% for 2004. With its strict adherence to the standards prescribed by the conventions of the International Maritime Organization, the Philippines will continue to be the country of choice among foreign ship owners and ship and crew managers for sourcing their ship�s officers and crew. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-56/POEA-Files-Cases-vs-Suspected-Illegal-Recruiter.html 2004-01-13 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) files criminal cases for illegal recruitment and Estafa against Elvira de los Santos and Engr. Carmencita Pacquingan, Marketing Representative and General Manager, respectively of MKS Consultancy. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-50/OFW-Remittances-Up-in-2003.html 2004-01-06 Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remitted home about 6.3 billion dollars between January and October in 2003, up 5.7 percent from the same period in 2002, the Central Bank of the Philippines said. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-51/Canada-Ammends-Transitional-Regulations-for-Selecting-Skilled-Workers.html 2003-12-16 The Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced on December 3, 2003 the important amendments to the transitional regulations pertaining to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-49/POEA-Cancels-Licenses-of-15-Recruitment-Agencies.html 2003-12-12 Due to grave offenses, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) cancels the operation licenses of 15 landbased recruitment agencies sending Filipino manpower abroad. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-47/Warning-to-Caregiver-Applicants.html 2003-12-09 Administrator Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) warned jobseekers especially those wanting to work in Canada to ensure that recruitment entities they are dealing with are licensed by the Canadian Government. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-43/Ontario-and-Canada-Signal-New-Era-of-Cooperation-on-Immigration.html 2003-11-25 "In addition to enriching the cultural and social fabric of Canada, immigration plays an important role in our economic and labour market growth," Minister Denis Coderre said. "I recognize that Ontario is Canada's largest immigrant-receiving province and Ontario is a leader in seeking solutions to giving skilled immigrants greater access to professions and trades." http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-42/Exodus-of-Nurses-may-Trigger-Health-Crisis----PNA.html 2003-11-21 The Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) warned that continued exodus of nurses for better jobs abroad may trigger a crisis in the country's health care system in the next two years. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-41/Filipino-Workers-to-Face-Mass-Layoffs-in-2004.html 2003-11-18 The Employment Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) warns Filipino workers of the forecasted massive retrenchment and a higher unemployment rate in 2004 due to lack of new investors. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-40/POEA-Warns-Nurses-vs-Illegal-Recruiters-to-US.html 2003-11-14 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) warned that nurses aspiring to work in the United States are likely victims of illegal recruiters posing as �management groups�. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-36/Canada-to-Attract-more-Skilled-Immigrants-and-Foreign-Students.html 2003-10-28 The Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Alberta Learning, are launching two joint initiatives to attract more foreign students to Alberta and are extending existing measures to draw more skilled immigrants to the province. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-33/RP-is-12th-Most-Populous-Country.html 2003-10-21 The Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world, the Commission on Population reveals. With its 82 million people, the growth rate is at 2.36%, meaning 1.8 million Filipino are added to the population every year or about four babies are born every minute. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-26/Most-OFWs-fail-to-send-money--Officials.html 2003-10-13 SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union�Officials of the Ilocos regional offices of four government agencies servicing the needs of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) said that most OFW have not been remitting their salaries and wages to their spouses, parents, children and other beneficiaries. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-23/OFW-Participation-in-2004-Elections-Could-be-Crucial.html 2003-10-06 Although only 219,722 of the estimated seven million migrant Filipinos had registered to vote in the upcoming elections, their votes could play a major role in the outcome of the May 2004 elections. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-25/Jailed-Seamen-Coming-Home-At-Last.html 2003-10-05 On Wednesday, the 23 Filipino seamen jailed since 2000 in Abu Dhabi will finally be on home soil. They were sent to prison after being accused of defrauding several banks in the United Arab Emirates. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-24/RP-to-Seek-US-Help-in-Cutting-Cost-of-OFW-Remittances.html 2003-10-04 Among the issues to be discussed on US President George W. Bush�s October 18 visit is the Philippine government�s intention to lower the cost of OFW remittances in the US. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-27/Number-Of-OFWs-In-Death-Row-Inaccurate--No-Executions-Of-Pinoys-Held-Since-2000.html 2003-10-02 Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin M. Ebdalin today said that recent reports stating that forty-four (44) overseas Filipino workers are scheduled to be beheaded in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are inaccurate. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-17/OFW-Remittances-Up-at--4-52B-as-of-end-July.html 2003-09-29 CLOSE to eight million Filipino nurses, IT experts, domestic helpers and seafarers abroad sent 4.52 billion dollars back home in the seven months to July, an increase of six percent from 4.26 billion dollars in the same period last year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-16/PGMA-Predicts-Rise-in-Employment.html 2003-09-19 Last September 17, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed her confidence that the country�s employment rate will take a turn for the better late this year. She warned, however, that any more political conflicts could further delay improvement. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-18/Survey-shows-22--of-Pinoys-want-to-leave-RP-for-good.html 2003-09-18 A recently conducted survey of Pulse Asia shows that twenty two percent of Filipinos would leave the Philippines for good given the chance. The survey was based on 1,200 respondents aged 18 and above. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-15/First-Batch-of-OFWs-Deployed-in-Iraq.html 2003-09-17 Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia Santo Tomas announced the deployment of the country�s first batch of overseas Filipino workers in Iraq last September 15. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-10/Philippine-Seafarers-One-Stop-Center.html 2003-08-19 The Department of Labor and Employment has put in place a one-stop center for seafarers that will house in one location the various government offices involved in providing the requisite documentation for seafarers in connection with their employment. The services to be provided by the respective agencies would include the processing and issuance of the following documents: http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-2/Libya-Partially-Lifts-OFW-Ban.html 2003-08-18 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. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-3/Comelec-Goes-Hi-Tech--To-Offer-Online-Registration-to-Overseas-Voters.html 2003-08-18 Just enough time to prepare for the 2004 National Elections, the Commission on Election (Comelec) has finally embraced a computerized system to facilitate the registration of Filipinos abroad for the implementation of the Absentee Voting Law. http://www.ofwguide.com/article_item-9/Several-countries-restrict-entry-of-OFWs.html 2003-08-18 Five countries have restricted the entry of Filipinos because of the severe acute respiratory syndrome or SARS. Taiwan requires new workers to submit a SARS-free certificate and a boarding permit from the Taiwan Economic Council Office. Returning workers are also required to submit a boarding permit but a SARS clearance is not required. All workers arriving in Taiwan will be subjected to 10-day quarantine.