The secretary of Labor, Rosalinda Baldoz said that undocumented overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continue to arrive in Syria despite the fact that deployment ban and mandatory repatriation is in effect. The DFA raised the crisis alert level toSyriafrom 3 to 4 which calls for mandatory repatriation. This means that the Philippine government deemed Syria an unsafe workplace for all OFWs.

The Labor Secretary is appealing to all Filipino workers that they should carefully think about the consequences of their decision to still go to Syria despite the ban. Hiring of workers bound to Syria today is illegal as recruiters can only provide them with a tourist visa. She added that most household workers in Syria only earn USD125 and it is a small sum if one will consider the dangers they have to face in their destination.

The secretary also discouraged Filipino workers from applying as household workers abroad because it is difficult to work for an employer with a very different culture with that of the Filipinos.

Baldoz said that the Philippine government has livelihood and entrepreneurship programs that can help them start small businesses here in the Philippines.