Consolidated OFW Feedback & Proposed Reforms

8/14/2019 Consolidated OFW Feedback & Proposed Reforms

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Copyright 2008 to Barangay OFW. Allrights reserved.

Key OFW Issues

and Proposed ReformsBeyond Griping!

Consolidated feedback from OFWsaround the world

Barangay OFW

July 2008


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AgendaBackground of this effort

The OFW experience (key phases and interfaces ingovernment)Presentation of consolidated feedback

Key issues raised by OFWsProposed reforms for each phase of the OFW experience

Prioritization of reforms and next steps


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A quick overview

On January 6, 2008, a column by Chief Justice Artemio Panganibanentitled Shabby treatment of OFWs at airport elicited enormousfeedback from OFWs worldwide as it brought to attention the

unfavorable experiences that our so-called modern-day heroesendure when dealing with government agencies and employees.

Due to the volume of responses and feedback that Chief JusticePanganiban received, he called on OFWs to unite so that theircomplaints, comments, and suggestions could be acted upon. Dr.Carmelita Ballesteros, an OFW in Singapore, was asked by CJPanganiban to start sifting through the numerous email. A coregroup of OFW volunteers actively corresponded with one anotherthrowing ideas and proposals back and forth and fine-tuning them inthe process.


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The OFW experience (key phases and interfacesin government)Presentation of consolidated feedback




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OFWs have to deal with the following government agencies in each phase

Job application Re-integrationPre-departure Departure Working & livingabroadVacation

(Balikbayan)

DOLE/ POEA

DFAPOEAOWWAPhilhealth

NAIABureau ofImmigration

Philippineembassiesandconsulates

abroadLaborOffices(POLO)

POEAOWWAPhilhealth

DOLE???


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Lacking opportunities at home, OFWs facesignificant challenges in looking for work


(Balikbayan)

Key issues

Poor oversight on recruitment agenciesIllegal recruiters with bogus jobs still aboundMoney talks to get a job resulting inexorbitant fees paid by applicantsLack of screening of applicants for skilledpositionsList of legitimate and accredited placementagencies must be released

Jobs are available but Filipinos miss out onthem due to bureaucratic hiring regulations& restrictions; the implementation of nowsuspended POEA Memorandum CircularNo.4 (MC4) could have worsened suchimpactFunneling overseas employment through agovernment agency may not be the mostefficient way in a global & modern labormarket

Jobs can be sourced in three ways:Through recruitment agenciesThrough the internet and/or personal jobsearch efforts (name hires)Direct hiring

Recruitment agencies are theconventional channels for overseas workbut those agencies have caused themost problems for OFWs.Direct hiring is not allowed while namehires still have to go through POEA

processing in order to leave the country.In general, government should adapt tothe demands of a modern & global labormarket & allow people to choose themost efficient method to secure a job.

Context


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After surmounting the challenges of leaving thecountry, the OFW faces a new life abroad

Key issues

There is an overall feeling of helplessnessfor OFWs encountering tough times abroadOverall, Philippine embassies andconsulates abroad are on the reactive whenOFWs are in crisisThere is a need to monitor more closely theoverall welfare of Filipinos abroad especiallythose who are being abused by employersand provide them with the needed supportEmbassies and consulates abroad need toknow how many Filipinos are coming to the

country and should have the capabilities tosupport them when needed

Living abroad can be a life-changingexperience for an OFWIt can be the key to a better life and theachievement of the OFWs dreamsOr it can become a nightmare in aninstantIn both cases, the OFW needs to havesupport systems in place, mostespecially from the PhilippinegovernmentIn times of crisis abroad, the OFW mustbe able to count on the contributionsmade to OWWA/POEA to avail ofneeded services and supportIn reality, this is hardly the case

Context


(Balikbayan)


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To be home is the best feeling in the world foran OFW, however there is no happy ending yet

Key issues

Gift requests from government personnelat the airport upon arrivalNeed to secure an OEC every trip home;embassies/consulates abroad cannot issuea multiple OECSimilar issues in the pre-departure anddeparture phases when dealing with POEA,OWWA, NAIA and ImmigrationLack of information regarding POEArequirements for people who found jobsabroad while on a different kind of visa

(shock upon being asked for OEC in theairport on the way back abroad)Extreme difficulty in availing and processingof OWWA claims and benefits

After earning a well-deserved vacation,an OFW is excited to spend his time withhis loved onesThe moment the OFW sets foot at theairport, he feels like running not just tosee his family right away but also toescape from any opportunistickababayans at the airport seeking favorsOnce it is time to go back abroad, theOFW will have to deal with the sameissues during the Pre-Departure andDeparture stagesThis means spending at least a day inthe nearest POEA/OWWA office for theOFW to secure the OEC, if he has notdone this at the embassy abroad

Context


(Balikbayan)


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Once an OFW decides to come home for good, whats next?

Key issues

Absence of an overall re-integrationprogram

Even though the focus at the moment isincreasing deployment, it is never too early to

devise a re-integration program and policyOtherwise, the lack of opportunities backhome leaves the OFW no choice but toseek work abroad once more the cyclebegins again!

The end of an employment contract or apersonal decision to come home eithermeans retirement in a few cases or thatthe OFW will have to look foropportunities back homeFor those looking to work back home, awell-defined re-integration program willallow the country to take advantage ofvaluable skills that the OFW has gainedwhile abroadAt this point, the OFW is not aware ofany re-integration program that willprovide support and opportunities to starta productive life back home

Context

Job application Re-integrationPre-departurerequirements DepartureWorking & living

abroadVacation

(Balikbayan)


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Key issues raised by OFWsProposed reforms for each phase of the OFWexperience



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Objectives of proposed reforms

Universally proclaimed in the country as modern-day heroes,OFWs still have to be treated as such and deserve to have pleasantexperiences whenever in the countryThe following proposed reforms aim to address the key issuesraised in the previous section with the objective of achieving resultsand action from government

Our proposed reforms are more collaborative and constructive thancritical with the goal of improving OFW welfare, a common objectivewe believe is ideally shared with governmentOur desire is to channel our gripes and frustrations into pro-activepositive change through the proposal of the following reforms


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The job application phase can be made easier,more reliable and suited to OFW needs


(Balikbayan)

Proposed reforms

Remove the bureaucracy and red tape involved in the job applicationprocessFilipinos should be able to find jobs in a global market where they best fit

and are best compensated for without having to go through recruitmentagencies or dealing with POEA (i.e. remove requirement of POEAprocessing for those who found jobs on their own efforts)The list of placement agencies must be released by either DFA or DOLEwith the DFA or DOLE having full responsibility in affirming the honestyand efficiency of these Placement agenciesDOLE to regularly perform an audit on all certified employment agenciesto ensure that all applicants are placed in legitimate jobsRecruitment agencies to have guidelines for screening, interviewing, andselecting right candidates for employmentConduct a survey to find out global requirement for OFWs (e.g. numbersneeded per country) & serve the labor needs per country that the POEAcan supply through legitimate placement agencies

Efficiency

Tighterregulation &

control

Transparency

Pragmatism

Core themes


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Convenience is key for OFWs in the pre-departure stage

Proposed reforms (1 of 2)

Streamline all POEA/ OWWA processes to become OFW-focused andminimize time it takes for an OFW to transact with themMake POEA/OWWA processing optional; well-informed Filipinos headedfor jobs with reputable firms do not need protectionTrain all POEA/OWWA personnel to providing the best customer serviceto OFWsIncrease the validity of the OEC, or make it co-terminating with the OFWsemployment contract or optional for OFWs in certain jobcategories/countries and required only for those with a high risk ofemployer abuse

Scrap Philhealth requirement for OEC or give the OFW choice ofinsurance providerPut a person in-charge of DOLE/POEA/OWWA who worked overseasThe passport is a document issued by the government to allow you totravel; no other documents should be required

Convenience

OFW serviceorientation

Automation

Awareness

Core themes


(Balikbayan)


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Automation and the use of technology willprovide a better experience for OFWs


OFW ID card can be used effectively in multiple ways:e-gate card for an express lane from the foreign land's airports andfrom the Philippine international and domestic airports

insurance card/health card (OFWs should be enrolled or have aninsurance with international alliance prior to traveling; when they gohome, they should have the benefit of executive check-ups)OFW ID card per se identification of their details, destinationcountry, OEC payment records, emergency contact details, etc.)

Online renewal and payment for OECGovernment offices and personnel to be more professional practicingoffice decorum and etiquetteRe-design POEA/OWWA processing areas to provide comfort andconvenience for OFWs taking care of their documents

Convenience


Automation

Awareness

Core themes


(Balikbayan)


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Extortion should not be tolerated and violatorsmust be caught and penalized


NO TO EXTORTION! Immigration personnel to only focus on ensuringthat the OFW has the required documents and clearances to departCreate an electronic feedback console with buttons for the level of service

provided by Immigration from Very quick, good, slow to Extortionistalarm!Create an OFW fast-track lane in the terminal fee and immigration areaswith the OFW ID card as access key/e-gate cardRemove the need to have the OEC stamped again at the airport; requiringOFWs to do so is redundantSet up an OFW lounge with the OEC/OFW ID and boarding pass asticket for entryCourtesy and professionalism by all airport personnel to all Filipinos andnot just to foreigners (Service with a smile)

Integrity

Instantfeedback


Convenience

Core themes


(Balikbayan)


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Leaving the country should be quick, painlessand easy for OFWs


The Immigration and customs officials and their supervisors on dutyshould have their names posted on the place their manning while on duty(name plate is not enough) to make it easier for a complainant to identifythem; a hotline number should also be postedNo more visa checks at the check in area since this will be done at theImmigration counter as wellEvaluate the need to fill up immigration and customs card; if possible,replace immigration card with e-gate facilityAn OFW who has a valid visa should be allowed to leave even without anOEC and just be made to pay the travel tax and terminal feeOpen NAIA 3Guidelines for non-OFW who leave on visit visas to find work in a foreignland

There should be an entity to track them and encourage them to register as OFWsto be accounted for their safety, health and welfare

Core themes


(Balikbayan)

Integrity

Instantfeedback


Convenience


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While abroad, a strong link with Philippineembassies is vital for OFWs

Proposed reforms

All embassies/ consulates to have their contact details published anddisseminated even from NAIA to ensure they are reachable for any issuesSet up a 24/7 emergency line for all Philippine consulates; this could beeven outsourced to call centers back homeInformation and tips regarding working and living in the host countryshould be available at all Philippine embassies/ consulatesEncourage OFWs to register with the Philippine embassy/consulate onceabroad highlighting potential benefits of registering (support, information)Embassies and POLOs should have a POEA representative who canprocess OFWs who converted visit visas to work visas and should be ableto give OECs (even Multiple entry OECs)Ensure Filipinos are well-advised in their host countries throughinformation campaigns and advisories; this can be done via email/e-groups or group SMS if an OFW is registeredBayanihan" spirit that extends genuine assistance and information to ourOFWs in all government offices abroad

Core themesAccessibility of

Philippineposts abroad

Registry withthe consulate

ComprehensiveOFW services

Effectiveinformation

dissemination


(Balikbayan)


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Vacations are always too short; thusconvenience and process efficiency are key

Proposed reforms

Express lane/OFW e-gate in the Arrivals area for OFW use onlyPOEA/ OWWA full-service counter available at the Arrivals area so OFWscan do their paperwork as soon as they arrive home

Make the airport extortion-free (from customs, taxi drivers and otherairport helpers)Improve domestic airport facilities and services especially for those withconnecting flights to the provinces outside Manila (e.g. affordableovernight lodging for OFWs, better waiting area)If the above is not possible, then at least let OFWs stay inside theterminal for the night until they fly out in the morningFaster processing times for OWWA claims and benefitsMultiple exit OECs should be easily available; otherwise make the OECoptional or co-terminating with the employment contractHave a "Bisitang Pinoy" counter where balikbayanas will have a one-stopshop to check out places to explore in the Philippines with the option tobook a packaged tour if desired

Core themes

Convenience

Extortion-free

Specialassistance as

needed

Availability ofOFW services


(Balikbayan)


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The time will come for OFWs to come homefor good and we should be ready for it

Proposed reforms

Need for government to come up with a re-integration program for OFWsthat will take advantage of skills acquired abroad and use them for thenations economic gainFinancial and technical assistance for OFWs planning to start their ownbusinesses plus potential tax holidays or incentives and special discountsin purchasing/procuring supplies to be used in their businessesConsider setting up an domestic placement agency where Philippine firmscan source skilled OFW talent for their own businessesContinued assistance for OFWs through an OFW hospital or an OFWbankEstablishment of a National Cooperative for OFWs, subject to credibleleadership and strategic directionNeed for consistency, execution and follow through from all governmentleaders to make re-integration possible and effective

Core themes

Programcreation

Continuousassistance

Walk-the-talk

Internalplacement


(Balikbayan)


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Agenda

Background of this effort





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Next steps

It is our desire that our proposed reforms are translated into actualinitiatives by the Department of Labor, POEA, OWWA, NAIA,Bureau of Immigration under the support of the Office of thePresidentIn order for our proposed reforms to be implemented effectively wewould like to prioritize them in order of expected impact/benefits for

OFWs and the time needed to implement them


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Automation ofOFW services

Planning & prioritization are key to executeproposed OFW reforms

Our proposed reforms need not be executed allat once

Resource and time constraints are key factorsthat government has to deal withThus, we recommend a series of priorities foroptimal resource allocationPriority I: Quick wins

Provides benefits immediately felt by OFWsEasy to execute and implement

Priority II: Near term focus areasHighly critical reforms that need more resourcesand political will to executeSuccessful execution of Priority II reforms will behighly commended and appreciated by OFWs

Priority III: Ongoing initiativesHigh impact reforms that require more time forimplementationPriority III reforms are necessary for the mid-longterm welfare of OFWs

Priority I: Quick wins

Priority II: Near termfocus areas

Priority III: Ongoinginitiatives

Time to implement

E x p e c

t e d i m p a c

t / b e n e

f i t s

Re-integration

OEC convenience

No Extortion Recruitmentagency audit

OFW ID

Pro-OFWservice attitude

Streamlining of POEA processes

Dedicated OFWcounters

OFW lounge

Illustrative

I m m e

d i a t e

H i g h

+-

Prioritization of reforms

24/7 embassyhotlines

Overview

Size of bubble: degree of importance to Barangay OFWs mission


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Proper implementation is dependent onenforcement of responsibilities & timelines

Who What How When

Assign thegovernmentagencyresponsible for

the execution ofthe reform/ initiative

Define all majordeliverables/ outputs/ resultsEnsure

accountability ofspecific agencyassigned

Identify themethods to be usedto execute initiativeSecure needed

resources(budgets, externalhelp, suppliers)

Define stricttimelines forcompletion ofreform/initiative

OFW ID

DOLE/DFAPOEAOWWA

Provide OFWs withmulti-purpose ID cardsfor travel, insurance &identification purposes

Close coordination withagencies involvedElectronic links withservice providersTesting & release

Start date: July 2008End date: December2008

Example


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In summary

OFWs around the world have taken it upon themselves to voice outtheir concerns and bad experiences and also to take a pro-activestance in changing the status quo.With the key issues we raised and the reforms we proposed, we arelooking forward to governments response to take action andimplement the necessary steps to achieve our common goal.

We realize the limitations that government faces but throughprioritizing its efforts to address OFW issues, it can slowly begin towalk its talk and truly take care of OFWs as rightful modern-dayheroes.

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Consolidated OFW Feedback & Proposed Reforms

Documents