My friends abroad have been ranting regarding Memorandum No.4 (Series of 2007) signed by POEA Administrator Rosalindo Dimapilos-Baldoz which took effect last January 15, 2008(I dont know if this has already been revoked). Now what does this memorandum state?
1. The employer must submit the following documents to POEA:
a) copies of their business registration, license, and identification paper
b) sample contracts for the OFW
c) proof that the OFW won't be charged a placement fee
2. Pay a "performance bond" equivalent to the worker's salary for
three months. The performance bond will be used to guarantee the
employer's compliance with the contract. The performance bond will
serve as a penalty fee for the employer in case he's guilty of a
breach of contract.
3. Provide a "repatriation bond" in the amount of $5,000 or
approximately P200,000. This money is to be used for the direct-hire's
repatriation expenses in case the contract is terminated.
4. The last requirement to get the registration process started is the
submission of a Medical Insurance Certificate.
According to my friends, with all the bonds and requirements being asked, this memorandum will definitely scare away foreign employers from directly hiring and rehiring Filipinos to work for them abroad.
Infairness to POEA, i think that they are just protecting our foreign workers, after all they our modern day heroes(considering the billions of pesos being sent here). But I think that the bonds are quite unthinkable. If a direct employeer would hire at least 10 people, this would require them to give to POEA millions of pesos. And knowing that a lot of government officials are corrupt, Im wondering where the money will go? Hmmmmm
Maybe what POEA can do is to require all foreign employers to register to POEA, thus proving in paper that the company is a legally existing company abroad. With the registration, comes a waiver that they promise to protect the interest and welfare of our Filipino workers assuring them with reasonable health benefits, guaranteed on time salary and day offs. That they promise to follow the employees contract and in any way will not violate its rights as a human and as a foreign worker. In the event that they violate the guidelines, they be sanctioned by the governemnt thus preventing them from hiring Filipino workers and they be sued by the Philippine embassy in their country. This in my opinion is a better way of protecting our OFWs than requiring the employers to pay bonds. This will also help our OFWs in determining which companies to apply to since POEA can create a list of violating employers. Bonds are traumatic!
My friend Ria, suggested that instead of requiring bonds, what if POEA would think of ideas on how to help our OFWs in sending money the easiest and costliest way possible. How about creating a cooperative wherein OFWs can be a member of where they can deposit savings. In the event that their family needs money or if they dont have work abroad, being a member, they could at least know where to get money from.
Our OFWs are our modern heroes. They are one of the every reason why our economy is thriving. Think of the billions of pesos being sent to us. They deserve the best that our government can give.
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