DOLE warned recruitment agencies charging excessive fees ranging from P50,000 to P190,000 each from workers applying for jobs in Taiwan. Brion, DOLE Secretary said that POEA rules restrict recruiters to collect placement fees equivalent only to a month’s salary of the OFWs. Violators will be meted with suspension and cancellation of their licenses. Their Taiwanese brokers, on the other hand, will be blacklisted. Brion also called on OFWs who have been victimized by the erring agencies to file complaints with the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in Taiwan or with the POEA.

OWWA Resolution No. 38 lowered the OWWA contribution US dollar-peso exchange rate from US$1.00 : PhP 51.00 to US$1.00 : PhP 42.00, thus, reducing OWWA contribution rate to PhP 1,050.00.

OFWs who paid the OWWA membership contribution at the old exchange rate for the period of 01 January to 18 December 2007 will be issued credit memoranda, which shall entitle the bearer OWWA member to an extended OWWA membership for a period of 3 months beyond the two years 24 months maximum entitlement to OWWA programs and services.

The International Organization for Migration, together with the DOLE and the POEA, had just launched the video documentary Paano Ba ang Mangarap? (How Does One Dream?)

The film depicts the effects of overseas migration to children, families, and the community left behind. It also personifies testimonies on the extent of risks and sacrifices that OFWs are willing to take, to make overseas employment the path to fulfill their ambitions.

Paano Ba ang Mangarap? was produced in conjunction with IOM’s Regional Dialogue and Program on Facilitating Managed and Legal Migration between Asia and the European Union. Interested parties may contact Mr. Ricardo Casco of IOM Manila rcasco@iom.int, +63-9178122660).

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), upon the advice of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has ordered a total ban in the deployment of ALL workers to Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Lebanon. The DOLE also directed the POEA to take active measures, criminal and administrative, against recruitment agencies violating the ban.