RP, UAE sign pact to better protect OFWs

In a bid to protect Filipino workers from illegal recruitment and other labor malpractices, the Philippines signed an agreement with the United Arab Emirates providing, among others, a rigid selection process of deployment. The UAE is one of the top destinations of Filipino overseas workers. As of December 2005, UAE plays hosts to 252,197 Filipinos, plus 98,718 in 2006, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Tuesday. Labor Secretary Arturo Brion signed the memorandum of understanding Monday night with UAE Labor Minister Dr. Ali bin Abdulla Al-Kaabi at the Manila Hotel. Al-Kaabi is in the country for a week-long visit. "We could expect similar agreements with other countries because this is one of our priority programs-to ensure the welfare and protection of our OFWs," Brion said. "As we help our OFWs secure desired jobs overseas, we make sure that they have enough protections onsite." Thje MOU was principally intended to further strengthen the welfare and protection of overseas Filipino workers in the Emirates. Based on the agreement, the Filipino manpower placed in the UAE will be chosen through a selection process and given protection pursuant to the labor laws and regulations in force in both countries. It also mandates employer applications for Filipino workers to state the required specifications and qualifications for the jobs, and include, with the verification of the UAE Labor Ministry, the conditions of employment specifically the salary, accommodation, transportation and other relevant terms. A separate labor contract between the Filipino worker and the UAE employer will cover the terms and conditions of employment clearly define the rights and obligations of both in conformity with RP and UAE labor laws and regulations. Further, the accord prescribes the creation of a joint committee, composed of an equal number of representatives from both parties, to see to it that provisions of the MOU are carried out. The committee will hold working meetings, consultations, and workshops, and meet alternately in their respective countries to discuss issues affecting the workers and employers. - GMANews.TV