The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Korea has reported a growing trend on cross country employment among Overseas Filipino workers while still onsite. This is prevalent among skilled workers whose term of employment in Korea have been completed and who would like to leave for other destinations preferably Canada and Australia directly from their current site of employment.

The DOLE Mobile Reintegration Team dispatched to Korea last February to render assistance that may be needed by the displaced workers also reported similar cases of skilled workers being affected by the economic slowdown and were officially released by their employers but would not want to home. However, they have successfully obtained their labor market opinions (LMOs) from employers in Canada and the subsequent visa approval by the Canadian Embassy in Korea and would rather opt to proceed to Canada to serve another contract term with their employers.

As this mode of irregular migration would prevent these workers from being able to process their employment documents as OFWs and would not entitle them to welfare benefits enjoyed by regular workers, they should be encouraged to register as OFW and enjoy the protection and benefits of the government provided to regular OFWs.

Registration may be done by the OFW thru the following:

1. Voluntary registration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; or

2. Notice to the POLO/Embassy/Consulate at the original jobsite of their intention to leave for another destination for employment purposes; or

3. Notice to the POLO/Embassy/Consulate of their arrival at the new jobsite to inform them of their entry and employment particulars into the country.

As one of the measure to safeguard the employment opportunities of OFWs and to ensure their protection and welfare in the light of the global financial crisis, POLO, Korea and other POLOs are requested to aggressively disseminate the above information in their respective areas of jurisdiction for the guidance of all concerned.

Adopted: 15 Apr. 2009

(SGD.) JENNIFER JARDIN-MANALILI
Administrator