If your thinking of working as a domestic helper, try to avoid the Middle East. Filipinas working in the Middle East are prone to exploitation, abuse and rape.

Some recruitment agencies process contracts using false representation. The OFW’s contract would show that they would be working as cashiers, waiters and so on. However, when they reach their country of destination, they end up working as dometic helpers.

Forms of exploitation include long working hours, few rest and sleep, food unfit for human consumption, underpayment of wages, physical punishment and the like.

Middle Eastern countries treat women as second class citizens. For dometic helpers, think twice before working in the Middle East.

Dubai and Northern Emirates waived the Dh120 (Php 1482) application fee for travel documents to further encourage Filipino workers to seek amnesty. Since there is only less than a month before amnesty period lapses, the officials are worried about the few numbers of Filipinos applying for amnesty. Amnesty seekers, including overstaying tourists and undocumented children, have been referred to the Philippine Consulate General.- OFWGuide

The POEA recently issued out a warning against the illegal recruitment activities of the agencies, Step Up Employment Agency and Tien Lung Marine TS Overseas Pte. Ltd. According to the government agency (as mentioned in its website), the said agencies have no POEA license and approved job orders. The illegal agencies try to recruit Filipino fishermen for non-existent jobs in Taiwan and South Africa.

The Language Skills Institute of TESDA is offering free classes in English, Korean, and Spanish language. The schedule of training are the following:

English- September 3 – October 5, 2007
Korean- August 27 - September 21, 2007
Mandarin- August 27 - September 21, 2007
Spanish- September 3 - November 20, 2007

Classes are from Monday to Friday at TESDA Complex, Taguig City.
Morning class: 8:00 a.m to 12:00 noon ; Afternoon class: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
To view the list of requirements, please visit the website of  POEA or inquire to the nearest TESDA-NCR District Office . Bring 3 pcs. 1 x 1 photo.

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.

Labor Minister and Labor Market Regulatory Authority chairman Dr Majeed Al Alawi said, “The Illegal workers should seek the help of the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) through their respective embassies.”