DFA to OFWs: vote for Puerto Princesa Underground River

Philippine Embassies have joined the campaign to include the Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) in the New 7 Wonders of Nature (N7WN), as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) called again on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to cast their votes for the popular Palawan destination.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the places that will win a spot in the N7WN will be announced on November 11. OFWs may vote for PPUR at the N7NW website. Read more

Job fairs in November 2011

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) posted the following job fairs in November 2011 on the Phil-JobNet website.... Read more

UK releases new shortage occupation list

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has posted on its website the government-approved Tier 2 Shortage Occupation List, which will take effect beginning November 14, 2011.

The list includes several engineering jobs, highly-specialized medical jobs, secondary education teachers in the maths or pure sciences, all teaching posts in special schools, social workers in children and family services, specialist nurses and 2D/3D computer animators. Read more

OFWs protest UK immigration rule affecting low-paid caregivers

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) protested against a new UK Border Agency rule that will not allow low-paid migrant caregivers to settle in the United Kingdom (UK) after five years during a meeting with Members of Parliament (MPs) in London.

According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, a representative from Kanlungan Alliance of Filipino Organizations, which led the Filipinos during the discussion, said the British lawmakers responded positively to their appeal for a parliament debate on the issue. Read more

Voter registration for OFWs starts November 2

The Overseas Absentee Voting (OAV) registration process for the 2013 elections will be held from November 2, 2011-October 31, 2012, according to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are advised to register at the Philippine foreign service post–Philippine Embassy or Philippine Consulate General–in the area where they’re based. All they need to bring is their valid Philippine Passport or, for seafarers, their Seaman’s Book. Read more

DOLE pushes for PH ratification of ILO convention on domestic workers

Labor chief Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz underscored this week the importance of the country’s efforts to fast-track the ratification of the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) new Convention on Domestic Workers (C189), otherwise known as the Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers.

She said just like other workers, Filipino domestic workers—1.9 million of whom are based locally while an estimated 100,000 are employed overseas—are entitled to decent work and proper working conditions, according to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) news. Read more

How 2 Come to the UK | By CHARLES KELLY

Minor Tier 2 change a major concern

LONDON, the United Kingdom–Cynthia Barker of Immigration Advisers Bison UK warns that the “minor technical change” related to Tier 2 and work permit holders who are applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) should be of major concern for migrants who are not being paid the correct salaries (as stated on their work permits). ... Read more

Remittances hit US$1.7 billion in August

Remittances coursed through banks grew to US$1.7 billion, increasing by 11.1% from the amount recorded a year ago, according to a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) press release.

For the first eight months of 2011, the total remittances increased by 6.9% to $13.0 billion, with remittances from land-based and sea-based workers growing by 5.0% and 14.4%, respectively. Read more

OWWA to conduct pre-departure seminars

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is now in charge of the management and conduct of Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars (PDOS) for government-placed and name-hired workers.

The task has been transferred to OWWA in accordance to the policy directions of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), according to Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Advisory No. 46 Series of 2011. Read more

Filcom leaders in Dubai, Northern Emirates introduced to radio listeners

BY ART LOS BAÑOS

The top three officers of the Government Council (GC) of the Filipino Community in Dubai and Northern Emirates were introduced to their kababayans through the radio show Filipino Excellence in the Middle East on October 4, just three days after they began their one-year term.

The GC has 12 members who represent their respective organizations. The 12 were chosen by almost 60 organizations out of 20 nominated organizations in an election last September 16. On September 23, the 12 members elected among themselves the president, vice president, secretary and other key positions. Read more

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