Recruiters to govt: Lift OFW deployment ban in Iraq
07/16/2008 | 04:46 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Private recruiters on Wednesday called on the government to lift the deployment ban of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) to Iraq, which has been in effect since 2004.
According to recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani, deployment of OFWs in the strife-torn country should now be allowed because the political situation in Iraq has already improved dramatically .
"We are calling for the lifting of the ban on deployment as the political situation in Iraq has now improved that augurs for a better peace and order situation," Geslani said.
Most OFWs in Iraq work in US military bases such as Camps Anaconda and Victory, which provide ample security for their employees, according to Geslani.
He said lifting of the deployment ban would give potential OFWs a chance to get high-paying jobs in Iraq. Job opportunities in Iraq usually offer salaries that range from US$ 800 to US$ 1,200 a month.
The Philippine government banned the deployment of Filipino workers in Iraq in mid-2004 following the abduction and release of Angelo dela Cruz by Islamic militants.
Resumption of OFW deployment in Iraq will give undocumented Filipino workers in Iraq the chance to acquire necessary documents, according to Geslani.
"In that way, they (undocumented OFW in Iraq) can now get the necessary documents from our consul there... The last 300 documented workers returned this month from Iraq upon the expiration of their passports with a five-year term," he said.
There are about 6,000 to 10,000 undocumented OFWs in Iraq based on Geslani's estimate. - GMANews.TV
According to recruitment consultant Emmanuel Geslani, deployment of OFWs in the strife-torn country should now be allowed because the political situation in Iraq has already improved dramatically .
"We are calling for the lifting of the ban on deployment as the political situation in Iraq has now improved that augurs for a better peace and order situation," Geslani said.
Most OFWs in Iraq work in US military bases such as Camps Anaconda and Victory, which provide ample security for their employees, according to Geslani.
He said lifting of the deployment ban would give potential OFWs a chance to get high-paying jobs in Iraq. Job opportunities in Iraq usually offer salaries that range from US$ 800 to US$ 1,200 a month.
The Philippine government banned the deployment of Filipino workers in Iraq in mid-2004 following the abduction and release of Angelo dela Cruz by Islamic militants.
Resumption of OFW deployment in Iraq will give undocumented Filipino workers in Iraq the chance to acquire necessary documents, according to Geslani.
"In that way, they (undocumented OFW in Iraq) can now get the necessary documents from our consul there... The last 300 documented workers returned this month from Iraq upon the expiration of their passports with a five-year term," he said.
There are about 6,000 to 10,000 undocumented OFWs in Iraq based on Geslani's estimate. - GMANews.TV