By Nissar Hoath, Staff Reporter
Published: 9/8/2005, 08:22 (UAE)
http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/NationNF.asp?ArticleID=176569
Abu Dhabi: The Cabinet has approved the amended fee structures for visit visas, an official said yesterday. Under the new structure, an official of the Abu Dhabi Immigration Department said a visit visa will be issued for three months against a fee of Dh600.
It can be renewed against an additional fee of Dh1,200 for another three months.The official said the fees are likely to be implemented from next month.
The new changes come under the Cabinet decision No 16 for 2005, amending some provisions of decision No 6 of 1994, regarding the amendment and introduction of fees levied for transactions processed by the departments of Naturalisation and Residency and Traffic.The changes will come into force as they are published in the official gazette.
The official also said under the new structures, the stay on visit visa has been increased from 90 days to six months. "A visit visa will be issued for three months with a fee of Dh600, which comes to same earlier amount for a three-month visa.
However, the new change is that now visitors can renew their visas for another three months for another Dh1,200 fee, which means six months of stay," the official told Gulf News.Earlier, a visit visa would cost Dh100 for two months which could be renewed for another month at a cost of Dh500. T
he visitor then had to leave the country after 90 days of their stay and re-enter after obtaining a new visa. Now those who want to stay for more than three months can continuously stay for six months with a total visa cost of Dh1,800. #
Monday, August 08, 2005
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Malaysia issues new rules on foreign workers, says DOLE
First posted 04:40pm (Mla time)
Aug 06, 2005
INQ7.net
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=46040
MALAYSIA has implemented new rules on hiring foreign workers that would facilitate the employment and ensure the protection of overseas Filipino workers there, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said in a statement.
The labor secretary said the new rules, which took effect August 1, simplified the process that recruitment agencies undertake to get approval for the deployment of foreign workers to Malaysia.
“The new rules also mean that Malaysia’s economy is in need of more foreign workers who should be protected to sustain its growth,” Sto. Tomas said as she called on Filipino returnees from Malaysia to take advantage of the new rules to facilitate their return and employment in Malaysia on legal status.
It would be recalled that Malaysia earlier this year initiated a crackdown on illegal foreign workers. Following this, the labor department set up one-step processing centers in Zamboanga City and Bongao, Tawi-tawi to facilitate the acquisition of legal documents for the returnees’ re-employment in Malaysia.
At the same time, Sto. Tomas said the new rules now require that salaries of domestic workers for the first six months will now be paid directly to them. Prior to the new rules, employers remit the first six months salaries to the recruitment agencies.
The labor secretary also warned prospective OFWs to Malaysia to be wary of recruitment agencies charging fees more than 2,500 Malaysian ringgits (about 37,000 pesos), the cap on recruitment fees for foreign domestic workers that Malaysian authorities made.
She added that a worker who still doesn’t have a job upon arrival in Malaysia is also required by the new Malaysian rules to be provided with housing and a minimum wage by the agency that recruited her.
Aug 06, 2005
INQ7.net
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=46040
MALAYSIA has implemented new rules on hiring foreign workers that would facilitate the employment and ensure the protection of overseas Filipino workers there, Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said in a statement.
The labor secretary said the new rules, which took effect August 1, simplified the process that recruitment agencies undertake to get approval for the deployment of foreign workers to Malaysia.
“The new rules also mean that Malaysia’s economy is in need of more foreign workers who should be protected to sustain its growth,” Sto. Tomas said as she called on Filipino returnees from Malaysia to take advantage of the new rules to facilitate their return and employment in Malaysia on legal status.
It would be recalled that Malaysia earlier this year initiated a crackdown on illegal foreign workers. Following this, the labor department set up one-step processing centers in Zamboanga City and Bongao, Tawi-tawi to facilitate the acquisition of legal documents for the returnees’ re-employment in Malaysia.
At the same time, Sto. Tomas said the new rules now require that salaries of domestic workers for the first six months will now be paid directly to them. Prior to the new rules, employers remit the first six months salaries to the recruitment agencies.
The labor secretary also warned prospective OFWs to Malaysia to be wary of recruitment agencies charging fees more than 2,500 Malaysian ringgits (about 37,000 pesos), the cap on recruitment fees for foreign domestic workers that Malaysian authorities made.
She added that a worker who still doesn’t have a job upon arrival in Malaysia is also required by the new Malaysian rules to be provided with housing and a minimum wage by the agency that recruited her.
Friday, August 05, 2005
3 ‘maids’ slam aspiring envoy’s ‘oppression’
By Ferdinand Fabella
Manila Standard
5 August 2005
Three jobseekers who were forced to work as maids in exchange for jobs abroad have accused their employer, the ambassador-designate in Italy, of maltreatment and verbal abuse. The three complainants claimed that former Iloilo governor Emily Relucio Lopez, who is reportedly being groomed as the new Philippine ambassador to Italy, subjected them to humiliation and even seriously threatened them during their short stint as “trainees” at her residence in Dasmariñas Village in Makati City.
In affidavits filed before the Makati City police, Maria Isabel Lorecca Hernandez, Rosario “Lhot” Quiambao and Ma. Salve Serrano, all college graduates, said Lopez promised to hire them as her “household staff” once she assumes her ambassadorship to Italy.
But they were required to complete a two-month paid “training” at her house before they could go to Italy. “We were lured to the offer because she assured us that she would shoulder all the expenses for the processing of our papers and that, once we’re in Italy, we would be paid $300 a month,” said Hernandez, a graduate of legal management from the Ateneo de Naga University in Camarines Sur.
During a press conference in Makati City, Hernandez said she and her sister Serrano, a former OFW and graduate of industrial engineering, were introduced to Lopez last July 5 by a friend of Lopez who works at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. They refused to name Lopez’ friend.
“At first, we didn’t know that we had to work as maids but we accepted it anyway because she assured us of jobs in Italy,” Serrano said. It was only when they started working as stay-in maids that they got to know Lopez’ “oppressive attitude.”
Read more....http://www.manilastandardonline.com:8080/mnlastd/ContentLoader?page=police04_aug05_2005
Manila Standard
5 August 2005
Three jobseekers who were forced to work as maids in exchange for jobs abroad have accused their employer, the ambassador-designate in Italy, of maltreatment and verbal abuse. The three complainants claimed that former Iloilo governor Emily Relucio Lopez, who is reportedly being groomed as the new Philippine ambassador to Italy, subjected them to humiliation and even seriously threatened them during their short stint as “trainees” at her residence in Dasmariñas Village in Makati City.
In affidavits filed before the Makati City police, Maria Isabel Lorecca Hernandez, Rosario “Lhot” Quiambao and Ma. Salve Serrano, all college graduates, said Lopez promised to hire them as her “household staff” once she assumes her ambassadorship to Italy.
But they were required to complete a two-month paid “training” at her house before they could go to Italy. “We were lured to the offer because she assured us that she would shoulder all the expenses for the processing of our papers and that, once we’re in Italy, we would be paid $300 a month,” said Hernandez, a graduate of legal management from the Ateneo de Naga University in Camarines Sur.
During a press conference in Makati City, Hernandez said she and her sister Serrano, a former OFW and graduate of industrial engineering, were introduced to Lopez last July 5 by a friend of Lopez who works at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority. They refused to name Lopez’ friend.
“At first, we didn’t know that we had to work as maids but we accepted it anyway because she assured us of jobs in Italy,” Serrano said. It was only when they started working as stay-in maids that they got to know Lopez’ “oppressive attitude.”
Read more....http://www.manilastandardonline.com:8080/mnlastd/ContentLoader?page=police04_aug05_2005
6,000 Philippine doctors want to become nurses to get jobs abroad
08/05
10:50:07 AM
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS_FLASH080420052667_14.htm
MANILA (AFP) - About 6,000 doctors in the Philippines are studying to become nurses so they can find higher-paying jobs abroad, the health minister said Thursday. This was up from 2,000 doctors who studied to become nurses last year, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said.
The exodus of doctors and nurses had created a "threatening situation for our health care system" and a task force had been established to examine the potential impact, he said. The team was working on a bill which would require doctors to practice in the Philippines for at least three to four years before they were able to work abroad.
"I think the problem really is the migration of doctors. We have so many nurses now, more than enough to fill up (vacancies). But our doctors are leaving," Duque said.
A study by the University of the Philippines had found that between 2000 to 2003 more than 50,000 Filipino nurses went abroad to work, he said. A doctor working in a government hospital in the Philippines earns only about 25,000 pesos (446 dollars) a month.
A doctor could earn around 8,000 dollars a month while working as nurse overseas. Even lawyers, accountants and engineers are enrolling to train as nurses, he said.
Filipino nurses are in demand in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and even closer to home, such as in Singapore and Japan. Health officials have warned the country faces a "medical apocalypse" if it continues to lose its health professionals to jobs abroad. #
10:50:07 AM
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS_FLASH080420052667_14.htm
MANILA (AFP) - About 6,000 doctors in the Philippines are studying to become nurses so they can find higher-paying jobs abroad, the health minister said Thursday. This was up from 2,000 doctors who studied to become nurses last year, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said.
The exodus of doctors and nurses had created a "threatening situation for our health care system" and a task force had been established to examine the potential impact, he said. The team was working on a bill which would require doctors to practice in the Philippines for at least three to four years before they were able to work abroad.
"I think the problem really is the migration of doctors. We have so many nurses now, more than enough to fill up (vacancies). But our doctors are leaving," Duque said.
A study by the University of the Philippines had found that between 2000 to 2003 more than 50,000 Filipino nurses went abroad to work, he said. A doctor working in a government hospital in the Philippines earns only about 25,000 pesos (446 dollars) a month.
A doctor could earn around 8,000 dollars a month while working as nurse overseas. Even lawyers, accountants and engineers are enrolling to train as nurses, he said.
Filipino nurses are in demand in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and even closer to home, such as in Singapore and Japan. Health officials have warned the country faces a "medical apocalypse" if it continues to lose its health professionals to jobs abroad. #
Thursday, August 04, 2005
OFW remittances to hit $12-B this year
By Donnabelle Gatdula
The Philippine Star
08/04/2005
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200508040407.htm
The government is optimistic that remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) will hit an all-time high of $12 billion this year. As of last May 31, OFW remittance had reached $4 billion, or 19.2 percent higher than the $3.3 billion posted during the same period last year.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director for planning and policy research Dennis Arroyo, who was one of the speakers in the Eagle Watch Economic and Political Briefing held at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City yesterday, said there were indications that the high level of OFW remittances would be maintained for the rest of the year.
He did not elaborate, though, on the OFW remittance targets for the year. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo, who was also a speaker at the briefing, said they would rather stick to the 10-percent growth rate for OFW remittances this year, although there are indications of a possible higher growth of 19 percent.
"It could grow by more than 10 percent but we have not changed our targets," he said. The strong remittances were traced to an increase in the deployment of higher-paid professionals, as well as greater access of OFWs to remittance channels within the country's banking system. In 2004, OFW remittances reached $8.5 billion. Meanwhile, Guinigundo said the 10-percent import growth projection for 2005 was still achievable.
The BSP official pointed out that the request of the Department of Finance to review the import growth target of 10 percent for the year may be premature. "We have to wait for other data to come in. There is a task force organized to introduce these corrections.
I think there is no need to adjust import targets until the task force comes out with actual figures," Guinigundo said. Another government official said that according to the Development Budget and Coordinating Council the macro-assumptions for this year would be maintained.
Inflation rate, he said, would still be at 7.9 percent in 2005 and 7.6 percent in 2006 assuming that the growth rate would be four to five percent. #
The Philippine Star
08/04/2005
http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200508040407.htm
The government is optimistic that remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) will hit an all-time high of $12 billion this year. As of last May 31, OFW remittance had reached $4 billion, or 19.2 percent higher than the $3.3 billion posted during the same period last year.
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director for planning and policy research Dennis Arroyo, who was one of the speakers in the Eagle Watch Economic and Political Briefing held at the Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City yesterday, said there were indications that the high level of OFW remittances would be maintained for the rest of the year.
He did not elaborate, though, on the OFW remittance targets for the year. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo, who was also a speaker at the briefing, said they would rather stick to the 10-percent growth rate for OFW remittances this year, although there are indications of a possible higher growth of 19 percent.
"It could grow by more than 10 percent but we have not changed our targets," he said. The strong remittances were traced to an increase in the deployment of higher-paid professionals, as well as greater access of OFWs to remittance channels within the country's banking system. In 2004, OFW remittances reached $8.5 billion. Meanwhile, Guinigundo said the 10-percent import growth projection for 2005 was still achievable.
The BSP official pointed out that the request of the Department of Finance to review the import growth target of 10 percent for the year may be premature. "We have to wait for other data to come in. There is a task force organized to introduce these corrections.
I think there is no need to adjust import targets until the task force comes out with actual figures," Guinigundo said. Another government official said that according to the Development Budget and Coordinating Council the macro-assumptions for this year would be maintained.
Inflation rate, he said, would still be at 7.9 percent in 2005 and 7.6 percent in 2006 assuming that the growth rate would be four to five percent. #
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
NAIA ‘assistance for a fee’ will not curb illegal recruitment – MIGRANTE
News Release – August 3, 2005
References: Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson, 0927-2157392
Vince Borneo, Information Officer, 0927-7968198
THE MIGRANTE Sectoral Party criticized the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for its move to charge fees for “special passenger assistance requests” – to provide additional passenger service and generate revenues, and on the side, curb the rampant illegal escort service practiced at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“The so-called Meet and Assist Service (MAS) at the NAIA is nothing but a sordid innovation to get more revenues from travellers and overseas Filipino workers. It is actually an additional burden to those who take air transportation and would need some help from airport personnel.
If the airport administration really intends to serve the plane-riding public, it must extend all types of assistance free of charge,” MIGRANTE Sectoral Party chairperson Connie Bragas-Regalaso said.
According to the MIAA, “the MAS can be availed of by private individuals and entities who are willing to pay a premium for a more convenient and comfortable airport reception/send off.” No specific premium rates were specified.
“The MAS is definitely absurd. All airports must be made convenient and comfortable for OFWs, their and the general public. This “service” is not very different from the illegal escort services that the MIAA uses as a feeble “side-reason” to justify the premium or fee,” Bragas-Regalado said.
“If the MIAA is serious in stopping the extortion of money from departing and arriving passengers by certain personnel and officials in the airport, it must crackdown on the entrenched illegal escort syndicate operating in the NAIA,” she added.
The MIAA asserted that with MAS, transactions can only be made with the Public Affairs Office (PAO) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) that has more affordable rates.
“Certainly, this new ‘service’ will not curb or stop the illegal escort service or improve the hectic and chaotic situation experienced by both arriving and departing passengers at the airport.
We suggest that the MIAA stop the MAS and instead institute pro-passenger and pro-OFW reforms in the operations of the NAIA without the intent of extracting more revenue from a public already burdened by high prices and more taxes by government,” Bragas-Regalado ended. #
###############################################
MIGRANTE Sectoral Party
Office Address: 49 Mayaman corner Matahimik Sts., UP Village, Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax: (63-2) 926-2838
NEW Tel: (63-2) 920-3705
Email: migparty@tri-isys.com
###############################################
References: Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson, 0927-2157392
Vince Borneo, Information Officer, 0927-7968198
THE MIGRANTE Sectoral Party criticized the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) for its move to charge fees for “special passenger assistance requests” – to provide additional passenger service and generate revenues, and on the side, curb the rampant illegal escort service practiced at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“The so-called Meet and Assist Service (MAS) at the NAIA is nothing but a sordid innovation to get more revenues from travellers and overseas Filipino workers. It is actually an additional burden to those who take air transportation and would need some help from airport personnel.
If the airport administration really intends to serve the plane-riding public, it must extend all types of assistance free of charge,” MIGRANTE Sectoral Party chairperson Connie Bragas-Regalaso said.
According to the MIAA, “the MAS can be availed of by private individuals and entities who are willing to pay a premium for a more convenient and comfortable airport reception/send off.” No specific premium rates were specified.
“The MAS is definitely absurd. All airports must be made convenient and comfortable for OFWs, their and the general public. This “service” is not very different from the illegal escort services that the MIAA uses as a feeble “side-reason” to justify the premium or fee,” Bragas-Regalado said.
“If the MIAA is serious in stopping the extortion of money from departing and arriving passengers by certain personnel and officials in the airport, it must crackdown on the entrenched illegal escort syndicate operating in the NAIA,” she added.
The MIAA asserted that with MAS, transactions can only be made with the Public Affairs Office (PAO) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) that has more affordable rates.
“Certainly, this new ‘service’ will not curb or stop the illegal escort service or improve the hectic and chaotic situation experienced by both arriving and departing passengers at the airport.
We suggest that the MIAA stop the MAS and instead institute pro-passenger and pro-OFW reforms in the operations of the NAIA without the intent of extracting more revenue from a public already burdened by high prices and more taxes by government,” Bragas-Regalado ended. #
###############################################
MIGRANTE Sectoral Party
Office Address: 49 Mayaman corner Matahimik Sts., UP Village, Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax: (63-2) 926-2838
NEW Tel: (63-2) 920-3705
Email: migparty@tri-isys.com
###############################################
Monday, August 01, 2005
Cruel stereotyping and irresponsible reporting
Press Statement
1 August 2005
MIGRANTE Europe
MIGRANTE Europe is disturbed about a report which came out in a national newspaper in Manila about a supposed “Filipino-looking woman” who was tagged by witnesses, the British media and the London Metropolitan Police as one of the alleged accomplices arrested with four suspected terrorists in London in connection with the July bombings in that city.
At this moment, it has never been established by the London Police nor by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs that the supposed “Filipino-looking woman” is indeed Filipino.
It is totally irresponsible for the British media and the London Police to release statements by quoting witnesses speculating on the nationality of the woman. To say that the woman being led by the London Police after a raid is “Filipino-looking”, is, to say the least, cruel stereotyping. Even if the British media and the London Police had the best intention to report what witnesses have described, they could have been less cruel and more sensitive by just stating that an “Asian-looking woman”, instead of “Filipino-looking woman”, was arrested.
Despite this cruel stereotyping and irresponsible reporting, we believe that the very good reputation of the more than 60,000 Filipinos working in Britain as domestics, nurses and health care worker and the valuable contribution they continue to deliver to the British society remain undiminished and unquestionable.
We salute our compatriots in Britain and elsewhere for being true heroes.
Despite being confronted with abuse, exploitation and racism in the countries where they chose to work, and despite the neglect of their rights and welfare by the Philippine government, and the bureaucratic corruption, joblessness and poverty back home, they continue to work hard, to remain honest, law-abiding and able to sustain their loved ones and eventually, keep the bankrupt Philippine economy afloat.
MIGRANTE Europe
Postbus 15687, 1001
ND Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Email: Mig_Europe@yahoo.com
1 August 2005
MIGRANTE Europe
MIGRANTE Europe is disturbed about a report which came out in a national newspaper in Manila about a supposed “Filipino-looking woman” who was tagged by witnesses, the British media and the London Metropolitan Police as one of the alleged accomplices arrested with four suspected terrorists in London in connection with the July bombings in that city.
At this moment, it has never been established by the London Police nor by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs that the supposed “Filipino-looking woman” is indeed Filipino.
It is totally irresponsible for the British media and the London Police to release statements by quoting witnesses speculating on the nationality of the woman. To say that the woman being led by the London Police after a raid is “Filipino-looking”, is, to say the least, cruel stereotyping. Even if the British media and the London Police had the best intention to report what witnesses have described, they could have been less cruel and more sensitive by just stating that an “Asian-looking woman”, instead of “Filipino-looking woman”, was arrested.
Despite this cruel stereotyping and irresponsible reporting, we believe that the very good reputation of the more than 60,000 Filipinos working in Britain as domestics, nurses and health care worker and the valuable contribution they continue to deliver to the British society remain undiminished and unquestionable.
We salute our compatriots in Britain and elsewhere for being true heroes.
Despite being confronted with abuse, exploitation and racism in the countries where they chose to work, and despite the neglect of their rights and welfare by the Philippine government, and the bureaucratic corruption, joblessness and poverty back home, they continue to work hard, to remain honest, law-abiding and able to sustain their loved ones and eventually, keep the bankrupt Philippine economy afloat.
MIGRANTE Europe
Postbus 15687, 1001
ND Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Email: Mig_Europe@yahoo.com
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