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Must-Read OFW News and Articles for March 2024
Must-Read OFW News and Articles for March 2024

In this month's news, the DMW has announced that Filipino seafarers now have the right to refuse sailing through the Gulf of Aden. In case of refusal, they will be repatriated at the company’s expense and compensated with two months of basic wage. Furthermore, a lawmaker calls on the Senate to pass a bill aimed at broadening legal assistance for OFWs. The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 8042, mandating a larger legal assistance fund under the DFA for OFWs in need. Meanwhile, DMW has raised concerns over a social media account advertising Filipino domestic helpers and health workers for hire abroad. Describing it as potentially illegal and dangerous due to the lack of proper processing and approval, the DMW advises against engaging with such social media job offers.

Mar 11, 2024

5 Must-Read OFW News and Articles for March 2024
5 Must-Read OFW News and Articles for March 2024

In this month's news, the Philippine government, led by the DMW, seeks to establish a binding legal agreement with South Korea for the seasonal deployment of Filipino farm workers. With ongoing discussions and a desire for mutual agreement, both nations are working towards formalizing this arrangement to benefit Filipino workers in South Korea. Moreover, DFA has officially transferred the responsibility of processing end-of-service benefits for OFWs in the Middle East to DMW. This transfer aims to enhance efficiency and provide better assistance to OFWs and their families in accessing their entitlements. Further, DMW has raised concerns over a social media account advertising Filipino domestic helpers and health workers for hire abroad. Describing it as potentially illegal and dangerous due to the lack of proper processing and approval, the DMW advises against engaging with such social media job offers.

Mar 11, 2024

Protecting OFWs: Staying Safe from Scams and Finding Secure Employment
Protecting OFWs: Staying Safe from Scams and Finding Secure Employment

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are the backbone of the Philippine economy, sending billions of dollars in remittances back home each year. However, they are also unfortunately vulnerable to exploitation, particularly through scams.

Mar 06, 2024

Must-Read Maritime News and Articles for February 2024
Must-Read Maritime News and Articles for February 2024

In this month's news, MARINA has requested the French Embassy to extend the deployment of French maritime expert Emeric Faure, who has been instrumental in enhancing safety standards for ROPAX vessels in the Philippines. This extension, if approved, will further strengthen the collaboration between MARINA and the French Embassy in bolstering maritime safety and security. Moreover, PBBM has directed MARINA to standardize Philippine maritime operations and practices to align with global standards, emphasizing the importance of a unified system governing the industry. In addition, PAMI has expressed opposition to education and training provisions in the consolidated bill on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (MCFS), citing potential negative impacts such as higher tuition fees and closure of manning agencies. The group argues that these provisions, particularly those related to shipboard training of cadets, may lead to financial burden on students and hinder the supply of seafarers.

Feb 08, 2024

5 Must-Read OFW News and Articles for February 2024
5 Must-Read OFW News and Articles for February 2024

In this month's news, DMW and DOT have collaborated on the "Balik Bayani sa Turismo" program, aiming to support returning OFWs by providing free tourism-related skills training and business opportunities in the Philippines, including culinary tourism and tour guiding. Moreover, the Philippines and Germany have signed a declaration of intent to enhance cooperation in skills development, recruitment, and employment of skilled Filipino workers, focusing on technical professions such as electrical engineering. In addition, the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines has announced the availability of thousands of job opportunities for foreign workers, particularly Filipinos, once Alert Level 2 restrictions are lifted. These jobs, including caregiving, hotel, agriculture, and construction sectors, offer employment prospects for Filipinos affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, providing a significant source of income amidst challenging circumstances.

Feb 08, 2024

Empowering Migrant Workers: Inside the Fair Training Center
Empowering Migrant Workers: Inside the Fair Training Center

The journey of a migrant worker is rarely easy. Leaving loved ones behind, adapting to a new culture, and navigating unfamiliar environments can be daunting, especially when an individual feels unprepared. Recognizing this gap, the Fair Training Center (FTC) emerged to transform and professionalize domestic worker training.

Feb 08, 2024

Must-Read Maritime News and Articles for January 2024
Must-Read Maritime News and Articles for January 2024

In this month's news, MARINA launches a 2024 campaign, "Charting a Clean Course, Safely Sailing Together," focusing on responsible leadership, sustainable practices, and inclusive development in the maritime sector. Administrator Sonia Malaluan aims for a corruption-free, competent, and disciplined administration, emphasizing integrity and professionalism among staff. Meanwhile, the International Bargaining Forum has designated the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as "high-risk areas," aiming to bolster protection for Filipino seafarers navigating these routes. This designation offers seafarers entitlements like the right to refuse sailing, increased compensation for death or disability, and wage bonuses. Finally, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, in its reconciled version approved by the Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee, excludes the controversial escrow provision. However, it mandates seafarers who win cases with the NLRC or NCMB to file a bond before receiving their awards.

Jan 09, 2024

5 Must-Read OFW News and Articles for January 2024
5 Must-Read OFW News and Articles for January 2024

In this month's news, the DMW eyes Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and the Czech Republic as potential new markets due to high demand for Filipino workers, with Austria potentially seeking 200,000, Hungary around 10,000 to 20,000, and Croatia and the Czech Republic considering hiring 5,000 to 10,000. They'll also continue sending workers to traditional destinations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Aside from this, Thousands of Filipino workers in Taiwan and Hong Kong will benefit from wage hikes starting January 1, 2024. In Taiwan, factory workers will see a 4.05% increase in monthly minimum salary and hourly wages. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's foreign domestic helpers will have a higher minimum wage and increased food allowance, applicable to new contracts after September 30, 2023. Furthermore, the DMW also issued 17% more overseas employment certificates, notably 608,000 for sea-based workers, a first-time high. Economic recovery from COVID-19 contributed to this surge.

Jan 09, 2024

Must-Read Maritime News and Articles for December 2023
Must-Read Maritime News and Articles for December 2023

In this month's news, various government agencies and maritime industry associations including DOTr , DOE, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Lighterage Association of the Philippines, and the Shipyard Association of the Philippines signed a manifesto pledging to prioritize maritime safety, protect the marine environment, and build a robust and sustainable maritime industry. Key areas of focus include improving navigational safety, modernizing maritime infrastructure, supporting the welfare and training of maritime professionals, ensuring good governance, and strengthening support systems. Moreover, SEC partners with DMW, Maya Bank, other fintech firms for its financial literacy campaign to protect OFWs from scams and to ensure that they have access to legitimate investment opportunities in the market. Meanwhile, DMW and 16 LGUs in Palawan collaborate for pre-employment seminars, aiming to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking. This focuses on educating OFWs about risks, benefits, and legal avenues for overseas employment.

Dec 05, 2023

5 Must-Read OFW News and Articles for December 2023
5 Must-Read OFW News and Articles for December 2023

In this month's news, DMW signed an MOU for 500 OFWs annually to fill Austria's job gaps in various sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and hospitality. This mutual cooperation aims for ethical and sustainable deployment, emphasizing Filipino workers' contributions to Austria's labor shortage and economic growth. Moreover, discussions between Germany and the Philippines are ongoing or a deal to streamline recruitment of Filipino professionals in Germany, expanding beyond healthcare. Meanwhile, DMW and 16 LGUs in Palawan collaborate for pre-employment seminars, aiming to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking. This focuses on educating OFWs about risks, benefits, and legal avenues for overseas employment.

Dec 05, 2023