Suspension on deployment of Filipino truck drivers to Europe eyed
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Embassy in Poland has reiterated its recommendation to suspend the deployment of Filipino workers in the road transport sector in Europe, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.
The DFA said the Embassy issued the recommendation amid reports of poor working conditions of Filipinos working as truck drivers in Europe, particularly in Germany, Poland and Denmark.
“In view of the issues concerning the working conditions of Filipinos who worked as trailer truck drivers in Europe, the Embassy is maintaining its recommendation for the suspension of deployment of Filipinos for work in the road transport sector,” the DFA said in a statement.
The Embassy was referring to 40 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that were rescued from “poor working and living conditions” in Germany and Poland November last year.
READ: DFA rescues distressed OFWs working as truck drivers in Germany, Poland
Also rescued from dire living conditions in Denmark last year were 22 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
READ: 22 OFWs rescued from ‘deplorable conditions’ in Denmark – DFA
The Philippine Embassy reminded Filipino jobseekers to only deal with recruitment agencies who practice ethical recruitment and keep the welfare of Filipino workers in mind.
The DFA also reminded Filipinos looking for job opportunities in Poland to only transact with licensed recruitment agencies with approved job orders from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).
It added that Filipinos should ensure that they have a valid working permit, a working visa, and a written employment contract before leaving the Philippines.
“Poland usually provides foreigners coming from outside the European Union with temporary residence for up to three years depending on the length of their employment contract and work permit,” the DFA said, adding that OFWs’ work permit is only good for work with the employer indicated on the permit.
The DFA also warned against recruitment agencies that charge excessive fees, pointing out that Poland is a ‘no placement fee” destination.
It issued the reminders in light of the thousands of available careers in Poland that Filipinos can apply for, which was earlier announced by the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI). /muf
