Sentidokomon

By Carmela Bignotia (OFW Guide)  

Libya, a country in North Africa is another destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Statistics from the Philippine Embassy in Libya showed that there is an estimate of 7,913 Filipinos working there in 2006. Filipino workers are mostly in the construction and oil industry and medical field. Some are employed as hospitality workers in hotels.

Fast Facts:

Official Title: Great Socialist Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Capital: Tripoli

Population: 5,900,754 note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2006 est.)

Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Religions: Sunni Muslim 97%

Languages: Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major cities

Currency: Libyan dinar (LYD), Libyan dinars per US dollar – 1.3084 (2005)

Government: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorship

Chief of State: Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969)

Philippine Ambassador to Libya: Bayani Mangibin

Delay in salary and poor accommodations are some of the common problems encountered by OFWS in Libya especially the medical workers. To address the problem, the Embassy patiently lobbied the issue and the efforts resulted to improved labor law in Libya. Many oil and construction companies in Libya are located in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Brega.

The following are some of the companies that employ Filipino workers:

Companies                                                    Number of Filipino Workers
 
Value Added Oilfield Services (VAOS)                                402
 
Dong Ah Consortium                                                      384
 
Hyundai Engineering and Construction                              374
 
Sirte Oil Company (MedOil)                                              290
 
Daewoo E&C Co., Ltd, Benghazi                                      169
 
Interbeton BV, Libya Branch                                           116
 
Gemmo Impianti SPA, Libyan Branch                                101
 
MAN Ferrostaal Oil & Gas Ltd                                           100
 
Zuetina Oil Company (MedOil)                                           69
 
Waha Oil Company (MedOil)                                              59
 
Bonatti, Libyan Branch                                                     58
 
Ras Lanuf Oil & Gas Processing Co. (MedOil)                       48
 
Government hospitals on the other hand are located in the regions of Tripoli, Zawia, Benghazi, and Beida regions. The following are hospitals that employ Filipino workers:

Hospitals                                                  Number of Filipino Workers
 
Tripoli Medical Center                                             154
 
Tripoli Central Hospital                                             60
 
Zawia Central Hospital                                             30
 
Misurata Central Hospital                                         30
 
Jalo General Hospital                                               30
 
Ali Omar Askar Hospital                                           27
 
Al Afia Hospital                                                       24
 
Abusalem Trauma Hospital                                       24
 
Tajoura National Heart Center                                  20
 
Al Razzi Mental Hospital                                           19
 
(Source: DFA Office of Middle East & African Affairs, July 2006)

Reminders:

Libya is a Muslim country so respect to the Islamic teachings and customs must be observed at all times. Men and women should dress conservatively (long pants for men and long dresses for women). Avoid taking part in any religious or political discussions. In giving or receiving anything, use your right hand as it is considered rude to accept anything with the left hand.