Migration and Integration Policies of the Receiving Countries
The resource person for the workshop on Migrant Workers Affairs is Undersecretary Jose Brillantes of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Problems
Discrimination of Filipino domestic workers in East Asia particularly in Hong Kong was identified as one of the groups’ concerns. Vulnerabilities of undocumented OFWs are not to be neglected.
Cultural differences that impact on OFWs’ access to available support services was added. They also mentioned the relative or comparative support offered by the host countries. There is a lack of language facility. This is a significant tool to understand or assert rights.
The group also brought up the limited employment opportunities that cause our countrymen to leave the country in search for greener pastures. However foreign employment does not assure them of a better life. Some experience employers’ breaching the terms of contract and the absence of redress and advocacy on the matter.
While some host countries offer good industrial conditions, there are those who are very bad practitioners.
In addition, the lack of coordination between government agencies processing OFW and migrant documents causes problems too.
Recommendations
Government sectors are to negotiate for better immigration or integration policies in the receiving countries. The government must promote the benefits offered by OFWs such as their skills and competence and make them cultural ambassadors upon return. This will help boost the OFWs’ confidence. They also suggested the protection of human rights of the most vulnerable. There should be better coordination and quality system for processing documents particularly in DOLE, DFA, NSO, POEA and OWWA. Relationship building with host countries for monitoring and checking of valid documentation was added.
Citizens must be more objective. They should be more aware of the plight of OFWs beyond the dollar remittances. They must become agents of change and trust.
OFWs must deal with registered and legal recruiters. They must file their complaints with the appropriate agencies. They must not take the pre departure orientation seminars for granted. They should not neglect the pre-departure education offered to them before they leave. It is important that they learn the language and culture of the destination country for their own welfare. |
