By OFW Guide

The prospect of earning pounds instead of dollars as well as experiencing life in a European country makes United Kingdom (UK) an attractive destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The good news is that UK has many job opportunities for foreign workers. In fact it is reported that 150,000 job opportunities are waiting for Filipino workers in UK. Emmauel Geslani, a recruitment consultant said that the following jobs are still in demand in UK: healthcare workers, environmental specialists, information technology and scientist, telecoms specialists, marketing executives, teachers, and social care personnel However, not all who want to wok in UK can fulfill their dream. The competition is stiff not only with fellow Filipino workers but also with workers of other nationalities. To be able to enter UK, qualified applicants need to go through the points based system that is being implemented by the Borders and Immigration System since 2008. Under system, all foreigners who wish to enter UK are required to undergo a managed immigration program with a five-tier system. Geslani said. “This means depending on the category of (the) visa, you will be permitted to live and work in the UK, seek and undertake employment, establish a business, invests or be self-employed.”

The Tier 1 visa is consists of the four sub-categories: The Tier 1 General visa is for highly skilled migrants seeking employment in the UK, self employed immigrants or immigrants setting up a business. There is also a Tier 1 Investor visa designed for those investing large sums of money in the UK while Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa is ideal for those setting up or taking over the running of businesses. Lastly the Tier 1 Post-study visa is for those currently studying or has studied in the past in the UK.

According to Geslani, the fastest route for Filipino workers to enter UK nowadays is through the Tier 4 or the student visa category. He said, “The fastest route available for Filipino health care workers, dentists, pharmacists, HRM graduates who want to reach the UK is through the Tier 4 student visa category, which requires the educational institution to accept the student.” The Tier 3 visa is temporarily suspended for an indefinite period by the UK Border Agency while the Tie 5 visa is not available to the Filipinos

By OFW Guide
Participating in the Philippine election is now possible even if one is not physically in the Philippines through the Absentee voting law. In the coming May 10, 2010 presidential and senatorial elections, a non-government organization, The Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) is urging Filipinos working and living overseas to register and vote.
The CMA which had lobbied for the right to vote of Filipinos outside the Philippines are reminding them that there is a seven month period for them register for the overseas absentee voting
The registration for absentee voters has started last February 1, and will be open until August 31 of this year. To be eligible, Filipino migrants and overseas workers should be 18 years old and above.
Ellene Sana, executive director of CMA said, “If you want change to happen, be involved. Be responsible citizens, go out and register.”
Of the estimated eight million Filipinos abroad, almost 50 percent are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). However, only a small percentage (below 50,000) registered to vote in the last two elections.  
One of the reasons cited for the low turnout of voters is the difficult requirements needed to register. One of them is the need for a personal appearance, which can be time consuming and hard for many whose residence and job sites are far from Philippine embassies and consulates.
The CMA responded, “But personal appearance is required for the biometrics capture of photograph, thumbprint, and signature. As in previous OAV registrations, various posts abroad could conduct mobile and field registration in far areas.�
The CMA added, “But usually the Department of Foreign Affairs, which conducts the registration and elections for the Commission on Elections, chooses sites for this type of enlistment in places where there are many Filipinos.�
Other Requirements: Valid Philippine passport or a Department of Foreign Affairs certification (as most employers of household service workers in the Middle East get their passports) Accomplished OAV registration/certification form. For seamen: a photocopy of Seaman’s Book or proof of being a seafarer. For Filipinos who retained or re-acquired their Filipino citizenship under Republic Act 9225 granting dual citizenship: original or certified true copy of the Order of Approval of Application.
To register, the CMA advisory states that Filipinos abroad can go to embassies, consulates, and other foreign-service offices. Filipinos who are just about to leave the country can register before their departure at the Committee on OAV at the Commission on Elections, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (ground floor), and the OFW Pre-Departure Lounge of the Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Seafarers could register at any diplomatic post abroad or in Manila.
During the registration period, previous registrants can also do the following: file or request for transfer of registration records; reinstatement in the National Registry of OAV; correction of wrong entries/misspelled names; withdrawal of application for registration/certification pending approval; or reactivation of registration record.
For other inquiries, one can contact Comelec’s Committee on Overseas Absentee Voting at the following numbers: (632) 522 2251, (632) 521 2952, or (632) 523 9924 and the DFA Overseas Absentee Voting Secretariat at (632) 8330914 or (632) 832 8363. One can also visit their websites at: www.comelec.gov.ph and www.dfa.gov.ph .

REGISTRATION OF MARRIAGE AND BIRTH

The Philippine Honorary Consulate encourages those Filipino citizens who have been married in Cyprus to register their marriage at the Honorary Consulate’s Office.  Please bring with you the original passports of you and your spouse (for reference) as well as the items below:
- registration form (to be filled out at the Honorary Consulate)
- 1 copy of the front page of your passport
- 1 copy of the front page of spouse’s passport
- CYP 20.00
 
The Honorary Consulate likewise encourages Filipino parents (or parent) whose child has been born in Cyprus to register their births at the Honorary Consulate’s office.  Please bring with you the original passports of parent/parents (for reference) as well as the items below:
- 1 copy of the front page of passport (if married, both passports of parents/if not married, only 1 passport is needed)
- 1 copy of the original birth certificate and it’s English translation
- CYP 20.00
 
PASSPORT RENEWALS:
 
Passport renewals can be done within 2-4 weeks, depending on the type of service requested.  Courier pouches are usually sent every two weeks to Athens which gives Filipino citizens a chance to receive their newly issued passports within a reasonable amount of time.
 
Regular passport renewal (3-4 weeks) = CYP 60.00
Expedited passport renewal (1-2 weeks) = CYP 84.00
 
**Please note that the variance in cost is due to the courier charges to Athens and back.
 
For passport renewals please note that you will need to bring your original passport for reference, an extra ID and the following:
- Passport application (to be signed and stamped at the Honorary Consulate’s Office in person)
- 1 copy of the front page of your passport
- 1 copy of the back page of your passport
- 1 copy of an extra ID (Philippine ID, voting card, Temporary visa permit, etc. – as long as it has your name and picture on it)
- 3 passport photos with white background (please be sure they are new passport photos, not old ones)
- CYP 60.00 or CYP 84.00
 
Please note that due to the numerous requests for help in consular matters, the Honorary Consulate’s office is open by appointment only from 9am to 1:30pm.  Please call for an appointment.
 
 
ADDRESS AND CONTACT NUMBERS

Philippine Honorary Consulate of Cyprus

36 Grivas Dighenis Ave. #4C
George & THelma Paraskevaides Foundation Bldg.
1066 NicosiaCyprus
Tel #’s
landline: 22-680806
mobile: 99-377268
Fax: 22-754420

 

By Carmela Bignotia (Ofw Guide)

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)  sets out new rules in the recruitment and deployment of Household Service Workers (HSWs). The changes will affect foreign employers, recruitment agencies, and most of all the HSWs themselves.

The new policies for newly hired HSWs took effect last December 16 while the reforms for former HSWs  started last March 1.

The new policies became controversial and were even met with pessimism and protests by some. For all to understand the reasons behind these reforms, Overseas Workers and Welfare Administration (OWWA) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released this information:

Ano ang mga repormang ipinatutupad ng pamahalaan sa ating mga HSWs na magtatrabaho sa ibayong dagat?

Ø       USD 400 – pinakamababang sahod
@        23 – edad ng mga bagong HSWs
Ø       Pagkuha ng TESDA NC2 katibayan ng pagsasanay
Ø       Pagkuha ng orientasyon sa wika at kultura
Ø       Pagbabawal ng pagsingil ng placement fee sa mga HSWs

Bakit kailangan ang mga repormang ito?

Ø       Para sa proteksyon at pangangalaga sa mga HSWs
Ø       Para mapataas ang antas ng kaalaman
Ø       Para itaas ang kanilang antas at dignidad bilang manggagawang Pilipino

Bakit kailangan ang sahod na USD 400?

Ø       Ang HSWs ay nagtatrabaho ng mahigit sa 12 oras
Ø       Ang HSWs ay nagsasagawa ng mahalagang papel sa pamilya ng kanyang pinaglilingkuran

Ano ang katotohanan tungkol sa reporma sa edad? Bakit ito kailangan?

Ø       Sa edad na 23, ang mga babae ay may sapat na pang-unawa, kaalaman, at emotional maturity upang maiwasan o malabanan ang pangungulila, karahasan, at pangaabuso

Ano ang katotohanan sa pagkuha ng assessment at training?

Ø       Ang tamang relasyon ng HSWs at employer ay maaring mangyari lamang kung alam at kaya ng HSWs ang mga tungkuling kanyang gagampanan tulad ng pagluluto, paglilinis ng bahay, at paggamit ng kasangkapang elektrikal

Sino ang kailangang kumuha ng assessment?

Ø       Mga bagong HSWs
Ø       Ang mga datihang HSWs na gustong kumuha nga TESDA Certificate bilang hakbang sa mataas na pagsasanay

Sino ang kinakailangang mapasailalim sa training?

Ø       Ang mga hindi papasa ng tatlong ulit sa assessment na gagawin sa ilalim ng TESDA

Bakit kailangan ang orientasyon sa wika at kultura?

Ø       Para magkaroon ng magandang relasyon sa employer
Ø       Para magkaroon ng tamang kaalaman sa wika at kultura ng bansang kanyang pupuntahan

Sino ang kinakailangang kumuha ng orientasyon sa wika at kultura?

Ø       Lahat ng bagong HSWs
Ø       Mga dating HSWs na lilipat at maglilinkod sa panibagong bansa
Ø       Ang mga HSWs na pupunta sa bansa na may hinihinging orientasyon sa kultura at wika at katibayan ng kasanayan (competency certificate) ay di na kailangang dumaan sa mga prosesong ito sa ilalim ng bagong reporma
 
Ano ang katotohanan tungkol sa placement fee?

Ø       Ang employer ang dapat magbayad ng placement fee at hindi ang HSWs

Ano ang katayuan ng mga recruitment agencies dahil sa bagong kautusan sa placement fee?

Ø       Ang recruitment agencies ay makasisingil sa mga employer ng HSWs

Maaari bang bumaba ang deployment ng Pilipinas dahil sa mga reporma sa HSWs?

Ø       Maaaring panandaliang mabawasan ang deployment sa unang pagpapatupad ng reporma, lalo na sa mga bansang sanay na magbayad ng USD 200 ngunit hindi inaasahang pangmatagalan ito at mababawi rin agad.

Maaapektuhan ba ang remittances na pumapasok sa Pilipinas dahil sa reporma?

Ø       Tinataya ng OWWA at POEA na hindi maaapektuhan ang remittances sapagkat ang umaalis na HSW taun-taon ay 9% lamang ng kabuuan ng lahat ng OFWs na umaalis

Ø       Kung panandalian na mababawasan ang aalis na OFW ay mahigit na mapupunan ang mawawala nilang remittances ng nakaalis na HSW dahil sa doble na ngayon ang sahod nila

Ano ang ginagawa ng pamahalaan upang matiyak na hindi magkakaroon ng masamang epekto ang reporma sa overseas deployment?

Ø       Pagbubukas ng bagong labor markets at pagpapalawak ng mga dati na
Ø       Pagbubukas ng mataas na antas ng propesyon at kasanayan
Ø       Pagkilos ng ating Labor Offices sa abroad na suportado ng TESDA sa pamamagitan ng mas maigting na pagsasanay sa iba’t ibang larangan ng paggawa.

 
 

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued out two warnings recently. One cautions aspiring OFWs job offers through email and the other informs about the status OFWs deployment to Lebanon.

Be Wary of Job offers via E-mail

According to POEA chief, Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz , the government agency is worried about reports from several applicants inquiring about  email messages that contains congratulatory letter for being selected for deployment for a high-paying job out of the country.

The unsolicited e-mail claims to be from a multinational company overseas and appears to come from a valid e-mail account.

The e-mail also includes details about the “hiring company� and claim that the applicant was selected because they received his/ her resume via the “resume bank� or job site of their recognized companies in the Philippines.

After the applicant expressed their interest, the company will mention a required training/seminar and the applicant will have to shoulder the fees. Other charges are for reservation, OWWA membership, taxes, and insurance through courier service.

Some applicants, tempted t by the bogus offer will send the money immediately only to realize that they have fallen prey to an email scam.

Deployment of OFWs to Lebanon Suspended

As of this writing, the processing and deployment of Filipino workers to Lebanon is suspended as ordered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). This is because of the unstable peace and order situation in Lebanon and upon the recommendation of the government Task Force in Lebanon.
 

The reported release of eight (8) Filipino workers and three (3) Korean executives of Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company in Nigeria was confirmed to me by Labor Attache Rodolfo M. Sabulao who had been closely monitoring developments on the hostage-taking incident.

The Philippine Labor Department is grateful to our team from the Philippine Embassy and its local counterpart in Nigeria, particularly the local government of the region where the abduction occurred, for handling the negotiation that led to the eventual release of the hostages.

I already instructed Administrator Marianito Roque of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to effect a profiling of these Filipino hostages so that appropriate assistance would be afforded to them immediately, by their employers and by the Philippine government through the OWWA.

Despite the release, we will not lift the ban on the deployment of Filipino workers in Nigeria yet pending thorough assessment on the general situation in that African country by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

www.sentidokomon.com ’Life is common sense’ is posting today pictures of Ms. Cielo Gamayon, the Secretary of Ambassador Rigoberto Tiglao, together with Filipino volunteers Emong Pedroso, Primrose Lomas and Marites Calictan while conducting consular service to OFWs in Cyprus done at the garden of the Holy Cross Catholic Church last October 1, 2006. See and remember these faces being the authorized people to approach to regarding passport renewals and matters about OWWA and PAGIBIG FUND.

 

 

 

  

Posted in Department of Foreign Affairs | No Comments »

DFA to Filipinos in Thailand: ‘Stay home, avoid crowds’

20th September 2006

By Veronica Uy
INQ7.net
FOLLOWING the military coup in Thailand late Tuesday night, the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised the estimated 7,000 Filipinos in the country to “stay home and avoid crowds” until further notice.

Citing a report from Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Antonio Rodriguez, newly appointed DFA spokesman Ed Malaya also told INQ7.net in a phone interview Wednesday morning that the DFA would make a policy decision on travel to Thailand in the next couple of hours.

He said the ambassador, in his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo “last night when the incident initially commenced,� gave the assurance that the situation in Thailand has had “no negative consequences or implications� on the Filipinos there.

Malaya said that as the case of Filipinos in other ASEAN countries, the Filipinos in Thailand live and work in the capital in managerial positions for local and multinational companies.

He said contingency plans for such emergencies are in place at all Philippine embassies worldwide, including that in Bangkok.

“But so far there has been no policy to effect this contingency plan (in Thailand). The advice to Filipinos there is to stay home, avoid crowds,� Malaya said

Posted in Department of Foreign Affairs | No Comments »

57th batch of Filipinos repatriated from Lebanon

16th September 2006

Officials from the DFA, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcome 35 Filipinos as they arrive at the NAIA-1 on Sunday, 10 September 2006, at 4:55 p.m. aboard Gulf Air flight GF154.The 35 Filipinos form the 57 batch of Filipinos repatriated from Lebanon andthe 27 batch flown by the IOM as part of its ongoing assistance to the Government’s efforts at bringing home Filipinos from Lebanon.“Oplan: Sagip OFW sa Lebanon� has brought home some 6,178 Filipinos since the first arrival on 23 July 2006. (Photo by Benjie Remo, DFA-PISU.) 

Officials from the DFA, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcome 35 Filipinos as they arrive at the NAIA-1 on Sunday, 10 September 2006, at 4:55 p.m. aboard Gulf Air flight GF154.The 35 Filipinos form the 57 batch of Filipinos repatriated from Lebanon andthe 27 batch flown by the IOM as part of its ongoing assistance to the Government’s efforts at bringing home Filipinos from Lebanon.“Oplan: Sagip OFW sa Lebanon� has brought home some 6,178 Filipinos since the first arrival on 23 July 2006.  

Posted in Department of Foreign Affairs | No Comments »

Department of Foreign Affairs Reiterates Advisory to Filipinos to Postpone for now any travel to Sri Lanka

13th September 2006

11 September 2006 — The Department of Foreign Affairs reiterates its advisory to Filipinos to postpone for the moment any travel to Sri Lanka in view of the continuing security situation in the northern and eastern regions of the country, including in the capital Colombo. 

The Department issued the advisory on 30 August 2006 upon the recommendation of Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Norberto R. Basilio, who has concurrent jurisdiction over Sri Lanka.  Ambassador Basilio said that “travel to Sri Lanka be avoided unless extremely necessary� and “Philippine aircrafts and vessels avoid the northern and eastern Sri Lanka routes.�  (Please see Press Release SFA-AGR-732-06, dated 30 August 2006, for the background information.) 

Philippine Honorary Consul General in Colombo William John Terrence Perera reported to Ambassador Basilio that the majority of Filipinos in Sri Lanka have moved to the safer southern part of the country.  Embassy records show that there are about 500 to 600 Filipinos in Sri Lanka, most of whom are OFWs, NGO workers and spouses of Sri Lankan nationals. 

The Department advises Filipinos who, due to extreme and official necessity, have to travel to Sri Lanka to report immediately upon arrival to the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Colombo at the following address:  

Philippine Honorary Consulate General
No. 41, Sir Ernest da Silva Mawatha (Flower Road)
Colombo 07, Sri Lanka
Telephone: (+9411) 268-4480; 269-6321.  

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