Illegal Filipinos Numbers Up In Oman

Muscat: There has been a 100-per cent increase in the number of Filipino migrant workers who don't have any valid residency or work permits in Oman, according to a newly released data.

The data, known as the 'Stock Estimate of Filipinos Overseas', presented by the Commission on Overseas Filipinos (CFO), showed that in 2011, there were some 6,400 undocumented Filipino workers in the Sultanate, whereas in 2010, the number was 3,000.

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MoM), some 12,000 expatriate workers are absconding in Oman, mainly in the fishing areas in the governorate of Al Wusta. "This is a pressing problem across all the governorates in the country. I request government departments, private-sector enterprises, and citizens to cooperate with the MoM to resolve this problem," a senior official of the MoM said.

Expressing shock over the rising figures, Chairperson of Filipino Community Social Club Janete Daang said it is very surprising that the number is so high even though the Philippines Embassy is doing a lot to reduce the number of undocumented Filipinos. "A large number of them enter illegally from other countries, which makes matters worse for us," she told Times of Oman.

Recently, the Philippines Embassy in Muscat closed an employment loophole, which enabled undocumented Filipino nationals to enter the Sultanate without the formal permission of the mission after fleeing from their sponsors in neighbouring countries.

Ernesto C. Bihis, Labour Attaché of the Philippines Embassy in Muscat, noted that all Filipino nationals working in Oman traditionally required a "no objection certificate" to be issued by their embassy in Muscat as part of the visa-application procedure.

"This is mandatory if they are hired from the Philippines," he remarked.
Earlier, migrants entering the country across the border had not been subjected to such procedures, creating a situation where the embassy was not able to properly vouch for them or for the employer.

"We know the embassy officials have managed to change the rule after continuous dialogue with Omani authorities since undocumented workers are more likely to end up with onerous contracts and to encounter immigration or labour cases," Janete Daang added.
Non-payment of salaries.

The most common reasons for their decision to run away from their employers in neighbouring countries are the non-payment of salaries and sometimes physical abuse by their employers. "From just 1,500 in the year 2000, the number of Filipinos without valid residence or work permits is steadily growing in Oman," noted the CFO report.

The Stock Estimate of Filipinos Overseas also showed that in 2011, there were only 140 permanent migrants (immigrants, dual citizens, or legal permanent residents) in the Sultanate, whose stay did not depend on work contracts.

The number of temporary migrants, including Filipinos who are employed overseas but are expected to return, stood at 43,318 in 2011. Students, trainees, entrepreneurs, and businessmen are also considered to be part of this category. 

In 2011, there were 10.46 million overseas Filipinos — five per cent of international migrants worldwide — spread across 217 countries.

To avoid being tricked, the Department of Foreign Affairs has advised all job hunters to check the official list of labour-market opportunities on the Consulate General's website.

The CFO was established in 1980 to promote the interests of Filipino immigrants and permanent residents in other countries and to preserve and strengthen overseas Filipino communities all over the world .

The data covered 214 countries in 2009, 217 in 2010, and 227 in 2011, wherein the CFO noted there were 10.46 million overseas Filipinos, up from 8.6 million in 2009 and 9.5 million in 2010.

Part of the estimate was taken from the remittance records of overseas Filipinos and the departure/arrival documents filled out by immigrants at all airports and seaports in the Philippines.

source:  Times of Oman

LEGARDA TO DFA - ACTIVATE OFW 24/7 HELP DESKS IMMEDIATELY

Senator Loren Legarda, Chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations today said she will push for the immediate activation of Overseas Filipino Workers Help Desks in our Philippine embassies, consulates and missions all over the world.

"These OFW 24/7 Help Desks should be of service 24 hours, seven days a week to be a reliable and response - ready link for the millions of Filipinos who have sought employment in foreign lands, forced to adapt to new cultures and environments, especially the numerous distressed who are maltreated by their employers just to give their families a better life here at home."

Legarda cited. "At present, there is an estimated 8.7 to 11 million Overseas Filipinos worldwide, equivalent to about 11% of the total population."

"There are persistent reports of Overseas Filipino Workers, both blue collar and white collar, facing significant obstacles including illegal recruitment, mysterious deaths, racial profiling, racial discrimination and kidnapping."

"In some countries, such as in Singapore and in Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, OFWs have complained that their compensations were withheld, while others have had their documents confiscated or stolen."

"Domestic helpers have been physically and sexually abused, made into "drug mules" and even murdered. Well-known cases include those of Flor Contemplacion and Sarah Balabagan."

"Our OFW 24/7 Help Desks should be their "home away from home" facilitating the quick deliverance of assistance," Legarda stressed.

"An estimated 3,700 OFWs are now leaving daily to work abroad as the OFW - related problems continue to pour in."

"Our Philippine embassy, consulates and missions to whose care our Overseas Filipino Workers are entrusted must implement measures and reorganize staffing responsibilities to make possible this 24 hour 7 day a week assistance."

Legarda concluded, "With these OFW 24/7 Help Desks, we hope there will be no more arrivals in our airports of battered OFWs in wheelchairs and coffins."