No deployment of OFWs to Lebanon

MANILA, Philippines - Without a bilateral labor agreement or a Lebanese law to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday the Philippines’ current deployment ban to Lebanon remains.

The Philippines and Lebanon are currently negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labor Cooperation that will provide the protection for OFWs in Lebanon in accordance with the requirements of RA 10022 of 2010, or the Amended Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

Philippine Ambassador Gilberto Asuque said that Lebanon’s Ministry of Labor would be submitting to the parliament a proposed legislation specifically for foreign migrant workers that would regulate the recruitment of these workers and protect their rights.

A total 449 OFW repatriates defied the total deployment ban to Lebanon.

The Philippine embassy in Beirut reported that a total of 449 OFWs in distress were repatriated over a seven-month period.

Asuque reported to the DFA that almost all of the 449 OFW repatriates defied the total deployment ban to Lebanon, which was enforced since June 18, 2007.

Asuque reiterated his appeal to all Filipinos who wish to work abroad to observe the deployment ban and to avoid illegal recruiters whose only aim is to collect his or her commission for each OFW deployed to Lebanon and who will not take any responsibility for whatever happens to the OFW nor assist in the repatriation.