For October news, the Department of Migrant Workers will simplify the requirements for the deployment of OFWs and address the issues on seafarer education and training—a welcome news for the maritime industry. Meanwhile, Canada announced an end to the COVID-19 border restrictions and will no longer enforce testing, quarantine, vaccination or mask rules for travelers wishing to enter Canada. This news and more are included in this month’s roundup!

Oct 27, 2022

For October news, Canada announced an end to the COVID-19 border restrictions and will no longer enforce testing, quarantine, vaccination or mask rules for travelers wishing to enter Canada. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has also lifted the compulsory quarantine requirement for OFWs and other inbound travelers. This news and more are included in this month’s roundup!

Oct 27, 2022

For September’s news, thousands of jobs for various posts are open in the international cruise ship industry, according to the Department of Migrant Workers. It was shared that more Filipino workers were needed on the ships because of fewer Ukrainian seafarers. Meanwhile, the Marino party list outlined improvements to the Philippines’ standing in the maritime sector by putting the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the shipping industry on its priority legislative agenda. This news and more are included in this month’s roundup.

Sep 14, 2022

For September’s news, New Zealand is expected to change some immigration rules to lure in around 12,000 workers over the next year, designed to fill labor gaps as businesses demand more labor. Some key changes include more relaxed wage rules in selected industries. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom recorded its most significant rise in foreign workers since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to economists, migration is showing some signs of bouncing back. India, Nigeria, and the Philippines are the countries whose nationals received the most skilled work visas in the year to March. This news and more are included in this month’s roundup.

Sep 14, 2022

During the last SONA, various quarters in the maritime industry were disappointed that the maritime industry was not a prominent topic in President Bongbong Marcos’ speech. They believe that the importance of modern ports in transporting goods should have been emphasized more. Meanwhile, the Senate is working on a long-awaited remedial legislation in minimizing OFW remittance fees, as well as added financial education for OFWs and their families. These news and more are included in this month’s round up!

Aug 24, 2022

Some good news this month! The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is looking to reduce the overseas Filipino worker deployment process from three months to three weeks with the digitization of its systems and processes. Meanwhile, the Senate is working on a long-awaited remedial legislation in minimizing OFW remittance fees, as well as added financial education for OFWs and their families. These news and more are included in this month’s round up!

Aug 24, 2022

The demand for Filipino seafarers increases as the war between Russia and Ukraine continue. MARINA is currently assisting the local marine industry in expediting applications to respond to the shortage. Meanwhile, good news for our deployed seafarers--the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) 2006 provision on repatriation was amended in the recently concluded International Labor Convention (ILC). Under this amendment, the shipowner and his agent are obliged to arrange for the repatriation of a seafarer who got sick, got into an accident, or had their contract either expired or terminated. Read this news and more in this week's monthly roundup!

Jul 23, 2022

More than 2,000 healthcare workers have been deployed abroad this year, far from the 7,500 yearly deployment cap. POEA will continue these efforts despite reports on supposed understaffed hospitals in the country. Meanwhile, top European hotel chains are hiring workers without prior experience or resumes as they experience worker shortage in the middle of the post-pandemic travel demand. Thousands of workers left the industry during the pandemic, and many have already found better-paid employment elsewhere. Read this news and more in this week's monthly roundup!

Jul 22, 2022

As the Philippines goal is to become an international hub for crew change, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has set up three new crew change hubs in Zamboanga, Iloilo, and in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Meanwhile, the Philippines risks losing out on seafaring jobs if the quality of training in local maritime schools continue to dip, according to experts. Read these news and more in this week's monthly roundup.

Jun 21, 2022

Good news this month! More than 7,500 healthcare workers (HCWs) may be allowed to work abroad this year. POEA recommended the increase of deployment cap for HCWs as local health facilities now need fewer additional personnel due to easing health protocols. Meanwhile, New Zealand announced that their borders are fully reopening by July 2022--three months earlier than originally planned. This is great news for our kababayans who are planning to work in New Zealand soon. Read this news and more in this week's monthly roundup!

Jun 21, 2022