DFA warns Pinoys vs. working illegally in Egypt

Published February 24, 2012 3:00pm

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday warned Filipinos against working in Egypt illegally, saying it could lead to penalties and abuses.

In an announcement posted on its website, the DFA said Filipinos going to Egypt must obtain a working visa/permit prior to departure. "The public is advised not to believe recruiters who are offering tourist visas which could allegedly be converted to a work permit upon arrival in Egypt," it said.

According to the DFA, irregular workers—or those who do not have proper documents—do not have the same rights as regular ones, which makes them prone to abuse or unlawful practices.

"Penalties can also be imposed by the Egyptian Government on all violators," the DFA added.

The DFA urged the public “to apply through agencies accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and to abide by all the rules and regulations of both the Philippines and the host country.” Data from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas show that, as of December 2010, there are some 6,500 Filipinos in Egypt, most of them classified as “Temporary,” or those “whose stay overseas is employment related.” The statistics also show 2,480 Filipinos placed under the “Irregular” category, which includes those who are:

not properly documented,
those without valid residence or work permits, and
those who are overstaying in the host country.

- with Rose-An Jessica Dioquino, VVP, GMA News

Tags: departmentofforeignaffairs, egypt, pinoysinegypt