Ban on OFW deployment to Iraq stays — DFA

The ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to Iraq stays despite growing clamor from local recruitment agencies to lift the government restriction.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jose Brillantes said the government is not inclined to recall the deployment ban because the peace and order condition in the Middle Eastern country is still volatile at this time.

"The ban is constantly under review," Brillantes assured, but added: "Right now, the review indicates wisdom in the ban."

Malacañang also reiterated its warning to Filipinos not to seek employment in Iraq.

"We reiterate our call that as much as possible, OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) should not go to Iraq especially if there are other choices (of employment)," said Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye.

"Maybe they could try to seek their fortunes in other Middle Eastern countries because Iraq is a very dangerous place these says," Bunye added.

Local recruitment agencies have been urging the government to lift the ban if it could not stop Filipino workers from slipping into Iraq.

"It would be better to lift the ban because they could ensure the welfare of the Filipinos unlike when workers are going there illegally (and) the government does not know their whereabouts," a local recruitment official said.

Local recruitment agencies earlier revealed that an average 100 OFWs were able to enter war-torn Iraq every month despite the existing deployment ban.

Brillantes pointed out that insurgent attacks persist there, especially targeting American military bases where most Filipino workers are employed, thus justifying the government’s ban.

Dubai is reportedly now considered a jump-off point for Filipino workers who enter Iraq illegally.

A recruitment official earlier said many companies in Dubai are currently recruiting foreign workers for their various construction projects in Iraq.

The government previously admitted to difficulty in preventing OFWs from entering Iraq despite the ban.

There are over 6,000 Filipinos currently employed in Iraq. About a third of them are undocumented.

Two suicide bombings killed at least 28 people and wounded nearly 100 in northern Iraq on Tuesday as the conflict between US soldiers with local law enforcers and insurgents continued.

Tension and violence have yet to abate since the war started in March 2003. — Mayen Jaymalin, Paolo Romero