Philippine envoys had discussed with Bahrain employers and recruitment agency representatives several issues affecting overseas Filipino workers based there.

The meeting last June sought to discuss improvements in the recruitment and deployment procedures, disciplinary measures for erring employers and recruiters, and protection of workers, particularly household service workers (HSWs).

Ambassador Corazon Bahjin and officials of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) met with owners and representatives of Bahrain recruitment agencies, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

"During the meeting, Bahjin stressed the need for recruiters to carefully select their counterpart Philippine recruitment agencies because they are jointly liable for cases about contract violations," it added.

It added the recruiters were also urged to undertake measures to ensure that only the physically, emotionally, and psychologically prepared to work will be deployed.

This will avoid cases of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) absconding from their employers without just cause.

Also, recruiters were requested to inform prospective workers, especially HSWs, about the job that they are expected to perform, the culture and tradition of the Bahraini people, and the relevant laws governing the worker's employment and stay in Bahrain.

Discussed as well were:


Bahjin requested the recruitment agencies to do their part in ensuring the protection of the rights and the promotion of welfare of Filipino workers, since the continued deployment of workers to the country is also in their interest. — LBG, GMA News