Suspension of Filipinos for overseas work effective from 13 Nov until 1 Dec

Department of Labour and Employment of Philippines announced on Friday (10 November) of the suspension of Filipinos to work overseas with effect 15 working days from 13 November to 1 December.

In a press release, it wrote, “In view of the persistent reports of illegal recruitment activities including direct hires, and in order to protect the public from the pernicious activities of certain unscrupulous individuals preying on Filipinos desiring to work overseas, the acceptance and processing of all new applications for Overseas Employment Certificates for all Overseas Filipino Workers, including direct hire workers, are hereby suspended.”

The press release stated, “Excluded from the coverage of this suspension are those workers who are being hired by international organisations and members of the diplomatic corps, which includes members of royal families, and sea-based recruitment agencies.”

It then added that an investigating team will conduct an investigation to get to the root of this malfeasance and will submit their official findings and recommendation.

“This Order shall be implemented by the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration for compliance by all land-based private recruitment agency,” it wrote.

Source: dole.gov.sg.

Mr Ramon Pastrana, labour attache at the Philippine embassy in Singapore, stated that the suspension applies to workers heading to all countries, not just Singapore.

Some employment agencies expressed shock as they had already booked plane tickets for domestic workers to fly to Singapore this week, in anticipation of the certificates being approved and maids who travelled to Manila from other provinces to prepare to head overseas are also stranded there.