MikeLigalig.com

By Mayen Jaymalin
The Philstar

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has lifted the total ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Nigeria, Lebanon and Afghanistan.

The total deployment ban, however, remains in war-torn Iraq.

The Philippine government earlier imposed a ban in the four countries due to prevailing tension there.

Labor Secretary Arturo Brion signed a department order last Nov. 15 enforcing a partial deployment ban in Nigeria, Lebanon and Afghanistan following consultations with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and local recruitment agencies.

Under the new regulation that “superseded” previous deployment policies, OFWs to be employed by coalition forces and international organizations like United Nations and Red Cross can leave for Afghanistan.

DOLE also allows OFWs working in Nigeria to go back to their previous employers and those employed in the so-called “Delta Area.”

Prior to their departure, the OFWs, however, must secure a clearance from DOLE. 

The Niger Delta companies, whose recruitment agencies or principals have been accredited with the POEA for some time, would be allowed to hire OFWs with the proper clearance from DOLE.

Based on the new department order, deployment to Nigeria shall be on a “case-to-case” basis and both employers and workers must comply with the requirements to be imposed by the DOLE secretary.

DOLE will release the clearance depending on the location of the Nigerian company hiring the OFWs and the working conditions or how safe the workers would be in the work site.

Filipino workers, particularly domestic helpers, can now work in Lebanon on condition that employers can comply with the new policy on the hiring of maids that sets to $400 their minimum monthly pay.

Other skilled workers can also go to Lebanon provided they will be hired by the government of Lebanon, including its ministers, deputy ministers and others with a similar level in government.

The same goes for household workers for the diplomatic corps or a recognized international organization, he said.

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