Filipinos in Ireland victims of exploitation?

[pioneer]

A Catholic priest has called on the Irish government to pass clear regulations in hiring Filipino migrants.

Fr. Alan Hilliard, director of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants, told European chaplains and pastoral workers for Filipino migrants that without clear employment policies, migrants become victims of exploitation, a report in Ireland's Evening Echo said.

“I appeal to policymakers to provide legislation to scrutinize the activities of employment agencies," he said at the 7th Regional Consultation Meeting for the Filipino Ministry in Dublin.

He said that agencies often promise the highest standard of information and delivery of service to migrants, but such promises fall short of reality.

“Regulation and accountability is now required and should be guaranteed throughout Europe. At all times the interests of the migrant ought to be the priority," the priest said.

The 2006 Census shows that there 9,327 Filipinos in Ireland, 7,426 of them are in Leister. Majority of them either are domestic helpers or are working in health services.

source: GMANews.tv