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.

The Philippine government ordered mandatory repatriation of OFWs  from Syria after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) raised the crisis alert level inSyriafrom 3 to 4.

Labor Secretary, Rosalinda Baldoz is encouraging OFWs  in Syria to avail the mandatory repatriation program of the government by saying that the Philippines can guarantee their welfare, safety, and protection.

She said, “We are prepared to assist them in with apackageof assistance when they arrive.”

What kind of livelihood assistance will DOLE provide? 

Are you a returning OFW who wish to stay in the country for good? You might want to consider a career as a Machinist. According to the secretary of Labor and Employment, Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, machinist is an in-demand job in the local manufacturing sector. The average monthly salary of a machinist in the Philippines is Php20,000 or higher.

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The Ministry of Labor of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) said that they would not issue work visa to domestic helpers from the Philippines starting July 2. The Arab country is also banning recruiting domestic helpers from Indonesia

The spokesperson of Saudi’s Ministry of Labor, Hattab Bin Saleh Al-Anzi, said in the news article that was published in Arab News, “The Ministry of Labor will stop issuing work visas for domestic workers for the Philippines and Indonesia from Saturday (July 2).”

Reports indicate that the decision was made when other countries expressed interest to send domestic helpers to work for Saudi families. Likewise, recruitment agencies in Saudi Arabia also want to deploy domestic workers, from countries other than Indonesia and the Philippines.

This is said to be a result of the strict conditions that was imposed by the Philippine government regarding the hiring of Filipino domestic helpers. The Philippines wants to increase the minimum wage of domestic helpers from USD200 to USD400. They also want to oblige Saudi employers to divulge family information and describe the residence where the domestic worker will work.

Do you plan to attend the nationwide job and livelihood fair that will be the main centerpiece of the events that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has prepared for this year’s celebration of Labor Day on May 1?

Pre-registration is said to be a must for this event as it will allow participating companies and employers to pre-screen applicants. The deadline for the pre-registration is on April 30.

The said job and livelihood fair promise to offer over 30,000 local and overseas employment opportunities as it will be participated by more than 150 local employers and 50 private agencies. The said job fair will be held at Rizal Park in Manila on May 1.

Aside from Rizal Park, this job fair will be held simultaneously in 16 different locations all over the country. Click here to check out the regional venues for the Labor Day Job Fair.

Pre-register now and increase your chance of getting hired !