New measure for Filipino migrant workers sparks backlash

A new requirement from the Philippine government being asked of overseas Filipino workers has sparked frustration amongst the community, who are complaining that it has taken effect too suddenly.

The new measure, controlling the ability to acquire an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) – a clearance issued to overseas workers – requires Philippine workers to present a contract verified by the consulate, along with an addendum that requires the employers to cover the cost of repatriation in case of death.

Although the new guidelines, issued last week, are only applicable to new workers vacationing for the first time, and to those who have changed employment on-site, a number of migrants consider the transition a hassle, with some having been threatened with termination.

“We have received news from concerned Filipino workers that they heard of employers terminating their workers, allegedly due to the new measure.  We, however, to date have not received any direct information or complaints coming from a terminated worker,” the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the SAR, led by Ramon Pastrana, said.

Under the regulations of the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), migrant workers undergo an official process to safeguard the rights and protection of these employees – contrary to what usually occurs in the SAR as most workers find employment while on tourist visas.

Thus, POLO clarified that Philippine rules and regulations mandate that Filipinos wishing to work overseas need to process their employment documentation with the POEA before departing abroad.

However, the office admitted that it is not easy to fulfill the requirements.

“Some of these requirements, like a photocopy of an employer’s ID and other information, do not sit well with some employers because of privacy concerns,” Pastrana’s office explained.

“To ensure that the harmonious relationship between the employer and worker is maintained, we explain to them that these requirements help us check on the authenticity of the employer’s signature on the contract and the basic contact details also assist in coordinating matters involving employer-employee relations,” it added.

As of Sunday, POLO has received a total of 130 requests for verification since the new measure was implemented.

Jassy Santos, president of the Progressive Labor Union of Domestic Workers, lamented that the only problem in the new legislation is that domestic workers do not have a copy of their contract, nor a standard contract.

Although the consulate provides the standard contract that is found on the website of the Labour Affairs Bureau, she said that not all employers are willing to sign.

“Just today [yesterday], two compatriots texted me saying that they are having a hard time to come back here because their OEC was not verified, while I am also aware of a case where a worker was terminated because of the new measure,” she said.

Santos also said that the memo was put in place immediately, without consultation with them, noting that not all employers are willing to sign the addendum.

“This measure will protect us but there was also no consultation. I believe the consulate also thinks that it [the memo] occurred [fast],” Santos explained.

Not all migrant workers are being provided with medical insurance – which is also needed as one of the requirements; and if it is being provided, it usually does not cover the cost of repatriation in the case of death.

Meanwhile, POLO is studying how to assist workers without the risk of being laid off, treating the cases individually.