The Initiatives for Dialogue and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, Inc (IDEALS), a non-stock, non-profit, non-government organization is providing free legal assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) under its Migrants’ Defense Program. IDEALS is a partner of the Hague Process on Refugees and Migration, a member of the Club of the Hague. For inquiries call: (+632) 436-5470 or e-mail ideals05@yahoo.com

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.

With the rising demand for Filipino workers in Australia, the newly established Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Sydney, Australia and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) felt the need to revised Memorandum Circular No. 4, series of 2006. The said memorandum contains the guidelines on the and deployment of Filipino workers to Australia. The changes in the new memorandum were made to ensure the welfare of Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to be deployed and are currently employed in Australia. Read more.

Pamilyang Overseas Filipino Workers-Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Network Foundation, Inc. (POFW-SMENFI) will hold the 5th Filipino Seafarers Family Expo and Forum” and the “4th Pamilyang OFWs-SMEs Housing and Home Essentials” on September 13-14, 2008 at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue Ext. corner Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. For details, call 912-5803 or 437-1660.

For other job fair events, please visit http://www.workabroad.ph/events.php#3

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.

 Read more…