DOLE warns vs job offers in Saipan

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday cautioned Filipino doctors and other medical workers that prospects are not promising for those seeking employment in the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas Island (CNMI).

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said employment opportunities in Saipan, the capital of CNMI, are bleak for Filipino doctors and other skilled workers due to the prevailing economic slump in the US territory.

“Due to the current economic situation, Saipan may not anymore be a viable destination for our medical workers,” Baldoz said.

She noted that the Commonwealth Health Center, the lone hospital in CNMI, may not have the financial capacity to meet the payroll needs of new medical workers.

“The operations of CHC is virtually on a standstill, although there was no official declaration of shut down of operations,” she said.

Meanwhile, Baldoz reported that the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the United States has assisted a number of Filipino victims of human trafficking and domestic helpers who have been staying there illegally.

Reports reaching DOLE said the cases of 29 Filipino welders, who were victims of human trafficking, have been endorsed to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement of the US Department of Homeland Security.

The 29 OFWs earlier complained of labor violations such as underpayment and non-payment of wages, intimidation and harassment, deception and overcharging of recruitment fees.

Labor attaché Luzviminda Padilla said they have also referred to immigration lawyers the two domestic helpers who are working in the US without legal status.

POLO officials also met with Filipino teachers and advised them to find new employers that could petition them should their employers decide not to renew their working visas.