7 February 2012

Chairmans Update: COWA seeks updates regarding certification issue of partially compliant countries and on arrangements with Syria, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia
To our dear migrant kababayan, Greetings! On January 25th, the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs held its first hearing for 2012 and discussed updates on the certification of countries fit to receive OFWs, the creation of a model contract for OFWs in Saudi Arabia, and the state of OFWs in Syria and Lebanon.

On the certification of countries fit to receive OFWs The DFA reported progress in the re-evaluation of the 41 countries that they initially declared non-compliant. Of the 41, 14 were declared compliant, and three were declared partially compliant, with specific reservations for household service workers. Seven countries remain classified as non-compliant, while the final assessment of the remaining 17 countries is pending, with the possibility of going into bilateral labor agreements. As for the list of 31 partially-compliant countries, the DFA explained that they are arranging bilateral reviews and/or negotiations with countries in this list for the duration of the moratorium the Committee granted them; the moratorium ends on April 12, 2012. The Committee put emphasis on finding a resolution that both protects our OFWs and, at the same time, does not strain our diplomatic relations with other countries. The Committee also continues to wait for an account of the methodology and standards for evaluation.

On the Standard Employment Contract with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Alongside efforts to create landmark resolutions that will pave the way for more effective laws to ensure the safety and welfare of our OFWs, Philippine and Saudi officials are discussing changes in the Standard Employment Contract for Filipino workers in the country. The contract being made highlights the following changes: o 400 USD salary as basic monthly salary, excluding accommodation and food o Employers will be required to open a bank account for their workers, where their basic salary will be deposited o Employer is required to give custody of passbook to the worker o Employee shall be entitled to a vacation leave, with a paid roundtrip ticket o The VISA number of the employer must be put in the contract o The number of family member should be put in the contract o In case of renewal of the employment contract, employer or the Saudi recruiter should submit a renewed working VISA of the worker We are looking forward to Saudis ratification of such a landmark agreement. This can prove to be a vital turning point in forwarding the welfare of OFWs who are in the Middle East. If the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will recognize the contract, then other countries in the Gulf might follow suit. Updates on the ratification of this agreement will be discussed in the next hearing. On the repatriation of our nationals from Syria and the MOU with Lebanon

The DFA conducted a massive survey to OFWs across Syria to assess how they can best assist our migrant kababayan in this time of political turmoil. 17,000 migrant Filipino workers were respondents to the survey, 98% of which are undocumented. Already, 6,000 of those undocumented OFWs have registered themselves with the embassy. Out of the 17,000 respondents, 1,600 wished to be repatriate, 700 of which had already gone home. Other OFWs are currently on hold due to pending legal cases. The DFA reported that it continues to monitor the situation in the hotspots of hostility in Syria as they work on the repatriation of Filipino migrant workers from these areas. The committee made the commitment to monitor the progress of the repatriation. We will also look into the resolution of the cases that prohibit our migrant kababayan from leaving Syria. The committee also learned that Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz was in the Middle East to sign the MOU with Lebanon. We will provide you further updates on this matter upon receipt of the accomplished MOU.

Given these updates, the Committee will continue to monitor and investigate the progress made on these issues. We also continue keep our dear constituents abreast with any development. Thank you very much for your continued support. Sincerely,

Walden Bello, Chairman, Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs