Consolidated OFW Feedback & Proposed Reforms

Key OFW Issues
and Proposed Reforms

Beyond Griping!
Consolidated feedback from OFWs

around the world
Barangay OFW
July 2008
Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

rights reserved.
Agenda
Background of this effort

The OFW experience (key phases and interfaces in
government)
Presentation of consolidated feedback
Key issues raised by OFWs
Proposed reforms for each phase of the OFW experience
Prioritization of reforms and next steps

rights reserved.
A quick overview
On January 6, 2008, a column by Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban
entitled “Shabby treatment of OFWs at airport” elicited enormous
feedback from OFWs worldwide as it brought to attention the
unfavorable experiences that our so-called “modern-day heroes”
endure when dealing with government agencies and employees.
Due to the volume of responses and feedback that Chief Justice
Panganiban received, he called on OFWs to unite so that their
complaints, comments, and suggestions could be acted upon. Dr.
Carmelita Ballesteros, an OFW in Singapore, was asked by CJ
Panganiban to start sifting through the numerous email. A core
group of OFW volunteers actively corresponded with one another
throwing ideas and proposals back and forth and fine-tuning them in
the process.

rights reserved.
A quick overview
This presentation highlights the main issues raised in all the

responses and it also outlines proposed reforms for government to
look into and to put into action.
It is the desire of all OFWs that government walk its talk and take
concrete steps to enhance the overall experience of all OFWs who
continue to sacrifice so much for the sake of their loved ones to the
benefit of the country.

rights reserved.
Agenda

The OFW experience (key phases and interfaces
in government)

rights reserved.
The OFW experience is made up of the
following key phases
Working & living Vacation
Job application Pre-departure Departure Re-integration
abroad (Balikbayan)
Job search Once an offer As OFWs are OFWs start OFWs take a Upon
either is received, about to working at hard-earned termination of
through OFWs leave the the job-site break and employment,
placement secure their country, their and getting spend time OFWs
agencies or visa, POEA/ papers and accustomed with their decide to go
directly OWWA clearances to working loved ones home for
through clearances are checked and living in back home good and
online job and other at the airport the host OFWs need become
ads, requirements OFWs with an country. to ensure productive
contacts or overseas exit Filipino
clearance (OEC)
they have the
personal from POEA are OEC to citizens.
initiative exempt from return to the
paying the travel host country.
tax and the
terminal fee.

rights reserved.
OFWs have to deal with the following
government agencies in each phase
abroad (Balikbayan)
DOLE/ DFA NAIA Philippine POEA DOLE???

POEA POEA Bureauof embassies OWWA
OWWA Immigration and Philhealth

consulates
Philhealth
abroad
Labor
Offices
(POLO)

rights reserved.
Agenda

government)

rights reserved.
Lacking opportunities at home, OFWs face
significant challenges in looking for work
abroad (Balikbayan)
Context Key issues

Jobs can be sourced in three ways: Poor oversight on recruitment agencies
Through recruitment agencies Illegal recruiters with bogus jobs still abound
Through the internet and/or personal job “Money talks” to get a job resulting in
search efforts (“name hires”) exorbitant fees paid by applicants
Direct hiring Lack of screening of applicants for skilled
Recruitment agencies are the positions

List of legitimate and accredited placement
conventional channels for overseas work
but those agencies have caused the agencies must be released
most problems for OFWs. Jobs are available but Filipinos miss out on
Direct hiring is not allowed while name them due to bureaucratic hiring regulations
hires still have to go through POEA & restrictions; the implementation of now
processing in order to leave the country. suspended POEA Memorandum Circular
No.4 (MC4) could have worsened such
In general, government should adapt to impact
the demands of a modern & global labor
market & allow people to choose the Funneling overseas employment through a
most efficient method to secure a job. government agency may not be the most
efficient way in a global & modern labor
market

rights reserved.
After securing a job, the OFW will have to go
through the bureaucracy to secure clearances
abroad (Balikbayan)
Context Key issues

OFWs need to secure the needed Is there really a need to go through POEA/
clearances before leaving for their jobs OWWA? Costs to OFWs seem to outweigh
The main documents are the passport, the benefits
visa and the OEC (overseas employment Inefficiency of POEA and OWWA processes
certificate) all requiring OFWs to go (queues are too long, it takes too much time
through tons of bureaucracy to secure to secure clearances, no clear guidelines
OFWs are required to go through POEA/ from start to end)
OWWA under the guise of “protection” Lack of service-orientation and positive
However, this “protection” is not for free attitude towards OFWs
and comes at a cost of precious money OEC validity is too short and good for one
and time exit only; it becomes too expensive and
OFWs need to pass a required medical cumbersome to secure for those who leave
exam and to go through the Pre- more than once a year
Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) Where are the OWWA funds going?
In return, OFWs get their OEC, an OFW Useless OFW id/card, if received at all
id card and Philhealth coverage giving PDOS and other requirements are a waste
them clearance to leave of time and money

rights reserved.
For an OFW, the sad emotions of leaving are
taken aback by apprehension at the airport
abroad (Balikbayan)
Context Key issues

The country’s international ports of exit Harassment and extortion horror stories at
serve as a channel to check that the Immigration
OFW has indeed secured the required Even those with complete documentation are
clearances intimidated and asked for money
Thus, after saying tearful goodbyes in Those leaving as tourists are not given the
the departure area, the OFW is now all to benefit of the doubt and are still subject to
extortion
himself
When will this stop? When will the culprits be
The OEC is requested for upon check-in arrested?
The OFW will need to clear Immigration Inefficient processes from check-in to
and proceed to the departure area immigration
The process should be simple & Need for an OWWA stamp on the OEC from
straightforward for those with proper the OWWA counter outside
documentation Need to supply an immigration card every time;
However for those leaving as “tourists”, this practice is not done in other countries
the outcome is unpredictable Lack of counters/ resources dedicated to
facilitate the departure of OFWs

rights reserved.
After surmounting the challenges of leaving the
country, the OFW faces a new life abroad
abroad (Balikbayan)
Context Key issues

Living abroad can be a life-changing There is an overall feeling of helplessness
experience for an OFW for OFWs encountering tough times abroad
It can be the key to a better life and the Overall, Philippine embassies and
achievement of the OFW’s dreams consulates abroad are on the reactive when
Or it can become a nightmare in an OFWs are in crisis
instant There is a need to monitor more closely the
In both cases, the OFW needs to have overall welfare of Filipinos abroad especially
support systems in place, most those who are being abused by employers
especially from the Philippine and provide them with the needed support
government Embassies and consulates abroad need to
In times of crisis abroad, the OFW must know how many Filipinos are coming to the
be able to count on the contributions country and should have the capabilities to
made to OWWA/POEA to avail of support them when needed
needed services and support
In reality, this is hardly the case

rights reserved.
To be home is the best feeling in the world for
an OFW, however there is no happy ending yet
abroad (Balikbayan)
Context Key issues

After earning a well-deserved vacation, “Gift” requests from government personnel
an OFW is excited to spend his time with at the airport upon arrival
his loved ones Need to secure an OEC every trip home;
The moment the OFW sets foot at the embassies/consulates abroad cannot issue
airport, he feels like running not just to a multiple OEC
see his family right away but also to Similar issues in the pre-departure and
escape from any “opportunistic” departure phases when dealing with POEA,
kababayans at the airport seeking favors OWWA, NAIA and Immigration
Once it is time to go back abroad, the Lack of information regarding POEA
OFW will have to deal with the same requirements for people who found jobs
issues during the Pre-Departure and abroad while on a different kind of visa
Departure stages (shock upon being asked for OEC in the
This means spending at least a day in airport on the way back abroad)
the nearest POEA/OWWA office for the Extreme difficulty in availing and processing
OFW to secure the OEC, if he has not of OWWA claims and benefits
done this at the embassy abroad

rights reserved.
Once an OFW decides to come home for good,
what’s next?
Pre-departure Working & living Vacation
Job application Departure Re-integration
requirements abroad (Balikbayan)
Context Key issues

The end of an employment contract or a Absence of an overall re-integration
personal decision to come home either program
means retirement in a few cases or that Even though the focus at the moment is
the OFW will have to look for increasing deployment, it is never too early to
opportunities back home devise a re-integration program and policy
For those looking to work back home, a Otherwise, the lack of opportunities back
well-defined re-integration program will home leaves the OFW no choice but to
allow the country to take advantage of seek work abroad once more– the cycle
valuable skills that the OFW has gained begins again!
while abroad
At this point, the OFW is not aware of
any re-integration program that will
provide support and opportunities to start
a productive life back home

rights reserved.
Agenda

government)
Proposed reforms for each phase of the OFW
experience

rights reserved.
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 pleasant
experiences whenever in the country
The following proposed reforms aim to address the key issues
raised in the previous section with the objective of achieving results
and action from government
Our proposed reforms are more collaborative and constructive than
critical with the goal of improving OFW welfare, a common objective
we believe is ideally shared with government
Our desire is to channel our gripes and frustrations into pro-active
positive change through the proposal of the following reforms

rights reserved.
The job application phase can be made easier,
more reliable and suited to OFW needs
abroad (Balikbayan)
Core themes Proposed reforms

Remove the bureaucracy and red tape involved in the job application
Efficiency process
Filipinos should be able to find jobs in a global market where they best fit
and are best compensated for without having to go through recruitment
Tighter agencies or dealing with POEA (i.e. remove requirement of POEA
regulation & processing for those who found jobs on their own efforts)
control The list of placement agencies must be released by either DFA or DOLE
with the DFA or DOLE having full responsibility in affirming the honesty
and efficiency of these Placement agencies
DOLE to regularly perform an audit on all certified employment agencies
Pragmatism to ensure that all applicants are placed in legitimate jobs
Recruitment agencies to have guidelines for screening, interviewing, and
selecting right candidates for employment
Conduct a survey to find out global requirement for OFWs (e.g. numbers
Transparency needed per country) & serve the labor needs per country that the POEA
can supply through legitimate placement agencies

rights reserved.
Convenience is key for OFWs in the pre-
departure stage…
abroad (Balikbayan)
Core themes Proposed reforms (1 of 2)

Streamline all POEA/ OWWA processes to become “OFW-focused” and
Convenience minimize time it takes for an OFW to transact with them
Make POEA/OWWA processing optional; well-informed Filipinos headed
for jobs with reputable firms do not need “protection”
OFW service Train all POEA/OWWA personnel to providing the best “customer service”
to OFWs
orientation
Increase the validity of the OEC, or make it co-terminating with the OFW’s
employment contract or optional for OFWs in certain job
categories/countries and required only for those with a high risk of
employer abuse
Awareness
Scrap Philhealth requirement for OEC or give the OFW choice of
insurance provider
Put a person in-charge of DOLE/POEA/OWWA who worked overseas
Automation The passport is a document issued by the government to allow you to
travel; no other documents should be required

rights reserved.
Automation and the use of technology will
provide a better experience for OFWs
abroad (Balikbayan)

OFW ID card can be used effectively in multiple ways:
Convenience e-gate card for an express lane from the foreign land's airports and
from the Philippine international and domestic airports
insurance card/health card (OFWs should be enrolled or have an
OFW service insurance with international alliance prior to traveling; when they go
home, they should have the benefit of executive check-ups)
orientation
OFW ID card per se – identification of their details, destination
country, OEC payment records, emergency contact details, etc.)
Online renewal and payment for OEC
Awareness Government offices and personnel to be more professional practicing
office decorum and etiquette
Re-design POEA/OWWA processing areas to provide comfort and
convenience for OFWs taking care of their documents
Automation

rights reserved.
Extortion should not be tolerated and violators
must be caught and penalized
abroad (Balikbayan)
Integrity NO TO EXTORTION! Immigration personnel to only focus on ensuring

that the OFW has the required documents and clearances to depart
Create an electronic feedback console with buttons for the level of service
provided by Immigration from “Very quick”, “good”, “slow” to “Extortionist
alarm!”
Instant
Create an OFW fast-track lane in the terminal fee and immigration areas
feedback with the OFW ID card as access key/e-gate card
Remove the need to have the OEC stamped again at the airport; requiring
OFWs to do so is redundant
Convenience Set up an OFW lounge with the OEC/OFW ID and boarding pass as
ticket for entry
Courtesy and professionalism by all airport personnel to all Filipinos and
not just to foreigners (“Service with a smile”)
OFW service
orientation

rights reserved.
Leaving the country should be quick, painless
and easy for OFWs
abroad (Balikbayan)

The Immigration and customs officials and their supervisors on duty
Integrity should 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 identify
them; a hotline number should also be posted
No more visa checks at the check in area since this will be done at the
Instant Immigration counter as well
feedback Evaluate the need to fill up immigration and customs card; if possible,
replace immigration card with e-gate facility
An OFW who has a valid visa should be allowed to leave even without an
OEC and just be made to pay the travel tax and terminal fee
Convenience Open NAIA 3
Guidelines for non-OFW who leave on visit visas to find work in a foreign
land
There should be an entity to track them and encourage them to register as OFWs
OFW service to be accounted for their safety, health and welfare
orientation

rights reserved.
While abroad, a strong link with Philippine
embassies is vital for OFWs
abroad (Balikbayan)

Accessibility of All embassies/ consulates to have their contact details published and
Philippine disseminated even from NAIA to ensure they are reachable for any issues
posts abroad Set up a 24/7 emergency line for all Philippine consulates; this could be
even outsourced to call centers back home
Information and tips regarding working and living in the host country
Registry with should be available at all Philippine embassies/ consulates
the consulate Encourage OFWs to register with the Philippine embassy/consulate once
abroad highlighting potential benefits of registering (support, information)
Effective Embassies and POLOs should have a POEA representative who can
process OFWs who converted visit visas to work visas and should be able
information to give OECs (even Multiple entry OECs)
dissemination Ensure Filipinos are well-advised in their host countries through
information campaigns and advisories; this can be done via email/e-
groups or group SMS if an OFW is registered
Comprehensive “Bayanihan" spirit that extends genuine assistance and information to our
OFW services OFWs in all government offices abroad

rights reserved.
Vacations are always too short; thus
convenience and process efficiency are key
abroad (Balikbayan)

Express lane/OFW e-gate in the Arrivals area for OFW use only
Convenience POEA/ OWWA full-service counter available at the Arrivals area so OFWs
can do their paperwork as soon as they arrive home
Make the airport extortion-free (from customs, taxi drivers and other
“airport helpers”)
Extortion-free Improve domestic airport facilities and services especially for those with
connecting flights to the provinces outside Manila (e.g. affordable
overnight lodging for OFWs, better waiting area)
If the above is not possible, then at least let OFWs stay inside the
Availability of terminal for the night until they fly out in the morning
OFW services Faster processing times for OWWA claims and benefits
Multiple exit OECs should be easily available; otherwise make the OEC
optional or co-terminating with the employment contract
Special Have a "Bisitang Pinoy" counter where balikbayanas will have a one-stop
assistance as shop to check out places to explore in the Philippines with the option to
needed book a packaged tour if desired

rights reserved.
The time will come for OFWs to come home
for good and we should be ready for it
abroad (Balikbayan)

Program Need for government to come up with a re-integration program for OFWs
creation that will take advantage of skills acquired abroad and use them for the
nation’s economic gain
Financial and technical assistance for OFWs planning to start their own
businesses plus potential tax holidays or incentives and special discounts
Continuous in purchasing/procuring supplies to be used in their businesses
assistance Consider setting up an domestic placement agency where Philippine firms
can source skilled OFW talent for their own businesses
Continued assistance for OFWs through an “OFW hospital” or an “OFW
Internal bank”
placement Establishment of a National Cooperative for OFWs, subject to credible
leadership and strategic direction
Need for consistency, execution and follow through from all government
leaders to make re-integration possible and effective
Walk-the-talk

rights reserved.
Agenda

government)

rights reserved.
Next steps
It is our desire that our proposed reforms are translated into actual
initiatives by the Department of Labor, POEA, OWWA, NAIA,
Bureau of Immigration under the support of the Office of the
President
In order for our proposed reforms to be implemented effectively we
would like to prioritize them in order of expected impact/benefits for
OFWs and the time needed to implement them

rights reserved.
Planning & prioritization are key to execute
proposed OFW reforms
Prioritization of reforms Overview
Illustrative
Our proposed reforms need not be executed all
Priority II: Near term Priority III: Ongoing at once
focus areas initiatives Resource and time constraints are key factors
No Extortion Recruitment Re-integration that government has to deal with
agency audit
High
Thus, we recommend a series of priorities for

Expected impact/benefits
Automation of
24/7 embassy OFW ID OFW services optimal resource allocation
hotlines
Priority I: Quick wins
Streamlining of POEA processes
Provides benefits immediately felt by OFWs
Easy to execute and implement
Priority I: Quick wins Priority II: Near term focus areas
OEC convenience Highly critical reforms that need more resources
Immediate
Pro-OFW and political will to execute

service attitude
Dedicated OFW Successful execution of Priority II reforms will be
counters highly commended and appreciated by OFWs
OFW lounge Priority III: Ongoing initiatives
High impact reforms that require more time for
implementation
Priority III reforms are necessary for the mid-long
- Time to implement +
term welfare of OFWs

Size of bubble: degree of importance to Barangay OFW’s mission

rights reserved.
Proper implementation is dependent on
enforcement of responsibilities & timelines
Who What How When
Assign the Define all major Identifythe Define strict

government deliverables/ methods to be used timelines for
agency outputs/ results to execute initiative completion of
responsible for Ensure Secure needed reform/initiative
the execution of accountability of resources
the reform/ specific agency (budgets, external
initiative assigned help, suppliers)
OFW ID Example
Provide OFWs with Close coordination with Start date: July 2008
DOLE/DFA
multi-purpose ID cards agencies involved End date: December
POEA for travel, insurance & 2008
Electronic links with
OWWA identification purposes service providers
Testing & release

rights reserved.
In summary
OFWs around the world have taken it upon themselves to voice out
their concerns and bad experiences and also to take a pro-active
stance in changing the status quo.
With the key issues we raised and the reforms we proposed, we are
looking forward to government’s response to take action and
implement the necessary steps to achieve our common goal.
We realize the limitations that government faces but through
prioritizing its efforts to address OFW issues, it can slowly begin to
walk its talk and truly take care of OFWs as rightful modern-day
heroes.

rights reserved.

Consolidated OFW Feedback &amp; Proposed Reforms

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Consolidated OFW Feedback &amp; Proposed Reforms

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Key OFW Issues

and Proposed Reforms

Consolidated feedback from OFWs

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Background of this effort

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

This presentation highlights the main issues raised in all the

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Background of this effort

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

DOLE/ DFA NAIA Philippine POEA DOLE???

OWWA Immigration and Philhealth

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Background of this effort

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Context Key issues

Recruitment agencies are the positions

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Context Key issues

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Context Key issues

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Context Key issues

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Context Key issues

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Context Key issues

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Background of this effort

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Universally proclaimed in the country as “modern-day heroes”,

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Core themes Proposed reforms

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Core themes Proposed reforms (1 of 2)

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Core themes Proposed reforms (2 of 2)

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Core themes Proposed reforms (1 of 2)

Integrity NO TO EXTORTION! Immigration personnel to only focus on ensuring

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Core themes Proposed reforms (2 of 2)

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Core themes Proposed reforms

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Core themes Proposed reforms

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Core themes Proposed reforms

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Background of this effort

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Thus, we recommend a series of priorities for

Pro-OFW and political will to execute

term welfare of OFWs

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Who What How When

Assign the Define all major Identifythe Define strict

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

Copyright © 2008 to Barangay OFW. All

You might also like

Consolidated OFW Feedback & Proposed Reforms

Consolidated OFW Feedback & Proposed Reforms