The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued an advisory to inform Filipino nurses that there are no job openings for them in Israel hospitals. The DFA advisory states, “Filipino caregivers recruited for Israel work in household setting, not in hospitals.”

The government agency decided to announce a warning due to queries received from hopeful applicants regarding deployment of foreign nurses in a certain Israel hospital called, Jordan Valley Medical Center. The said hospital does not exist.

To warn more RP nurses and prevent the activities of illegal recruiters, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would also help to spread the warning regarding bogus job offers in Israel.

The government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) has a new rule regarding the passport validity of foreigners in their country. The secretary of DOLE, Marianito Roque addressed the advisory to all OFWs bound to UAE (new and returning) to check the validity period of their Philippine passport to avoid delays and hassles in the processing of their employment visa.

The new UAE rule requires that for foreign workers with no UAE Residence permit, his/her passport must be valid for at least six months. On the other hand, for the holders of a UAE special entry permit/employment visa, the passports must have a validity of at least three months. Read more.

Smart Telecommunications Company issued an advisory against unscrupulous individuals that are using the name of their company to victimize unsuspecting OFWs in Belgium by sending hoax messages and phone calls informing them of winning a certain promo. They target OFWs and used Philippine-based roaming cellphone number.

Scammers asked potential victims to deposit a certain amount of money prior to claiming the non-existent prize. Smart advises OFWs to refrain from responding to these messages as legitimate contests do not demand any amount of money from the winners. Filipino workers to receive this kind of message are encouraged to report it to the Philippine embassy. They may also call the consular section at 02 340 33 73 or 74 or send email to brussels@philembassy.be

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are about to leave or enter United States of America (USA) are reminded that there are strict travel policies that they must follow to avoid hassles and embarrassment. Be reminded that a wise traveler is always aware of the immigration rules and travel advisory of any country they wish to visit.

As Filipinos are used to helping out one another and are fond of giving gifts, balikbayans in the Philippines or those about to go to abroad would always have pasalubong or padalas with them. There is nothing wrong with that but do check all items that you are carrying including contents of packed items so you avoid violating any travel policy.

Click here to view some of the prohibited items that a traveler cannot bring in the land of Stars and Stripes.

DoLE has issued an advisory to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will leave and enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) regarding bringing of cash and jewelries amounting to over SR60,000 or its equivalent in other currency (more or less Php 681,000) to declare it upon arrival or departure to avoid confiscation or penalties.

There are available declaration forms in all entry points in Saudi. Bringing in of cash and precious metals over SR60,000 is not only an act of money laundering but also makes one a suspect of funding terrorist. Thus OFWs are advice to obey the rule since KSA is strictly implementing it in accordance with the Article 14 of the Anti-Money Laundering Law of the Kingdom.

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