Thousands of OFWs coming home for Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - Thousands of Filipino workers abroad are still expected to come home for the Christmas holidays despite recent calamities and the prevailing global financial crisis.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) yesterday reported that they are gearing up for a surge in the number of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) applying for overseas employment certificate (OEC).

“At the start of the Christmas peak season, the number of OEC applicants doubles the usual 1,000 per day,” POEA chief Jennifer Manalili disclosed.

Manalili said congestion and security have become a major concern at the POEA premises because of the surge in the number of returning OFWs, aside from applicants who have immediate flights.

To avoid congestion at the POEA, Manalili said the proper guidelines for the issuance of OECs to returning OFWs must be observed during the Yuletide season.

“OFWs who have just arrived are encouraged to apply for their OECs early either at the POEA main office or at the nearest POEA regional office and extension unit, or avail of the OEC delivery service, so they can avoid last minute problems prior to their return flights,” Manalili explained.

She also urged departing OFWs who will return during the Christmas season to apply for their OECs at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in their host countries prior to coming home or at the POEA main or regional offices prior to their return to their host countries.

According to Manalili, regular processing of OECs has been discontinued at the NAIA Labor Assistance Center, except for weekend or emergency exit within five days from entry.

OFWs who have not yet registered with the POEA are advised to bring their contract and/or certificate of employment and other proofs of employment in order to be documented and be issued an OEC.

The POEA will continue operations during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Manalili said OFWs are required to secure OECs and multiple travel exit clearance (TEC) from the POEA before departure.

POEA issues an average of 50,000 TECs during the months of December and January.

Meantime, jobs await hundreds of Filipino male doctors and nurses in Saudi Arabia despite the slump in the hiring of medical workers in other countries, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday.

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said the government-owned Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) had placed a job order for 300 medical workers with the POEA.