Families beg OFWs in war torn countries not to return home yet

Despite the intensified efforts of the government to repatriate overseas Filipino workers from protest-wracked Syria, many Filipinos are still reluctant to leave.

The Department of Foreign Affairs raised crisis alert in that Middle East country from level 3 to level 4, which calls for mandatory evacuation amid escalating violence.

Bantay OCW found out that one reason OFWs are hesitant to leave is that their relatives themselves are the pleading with them not to leave Syria believing that the violence will end soon.

Sad but this is the truth in most of OFW families. They feel anxious that their OFW relatives might suspend or fully stop sending money back home. Instead of encouraging them to return, some families are pushing them to stay there.

In addition to this, while our government is busy repatriating OFWs, there are some Filipinos who continue to enter the country to look for work.

Illegal recruiters, some reports have it, ignore the ban on deployment in that country in connivance with Syrian nationals.

Bantay OCW appeals to the relatives of OFWs to encourage their OFW relatives to leave the strife-torn country as soon as possible.

Indiscriminate off-loading

Following complaints from OFWs and tourists, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) recently issued new measures aimed at containing abuses of the government’s so-called off-loading policy.

The BI was criticized for its alleged “indiscriminate” off-loading of passengers, who turn out to be legitimate migrant workers and legal

travelers.

The off-loading policy was put in place to curb illegal recruitment and human trafficking. However, it has become controversial because of the complaints of abuse of discretion and corruption of Immigration officials.

Illegal deployment abroad of Filipinos is indeed dangerous. some may be utilized in illegal activities such as drug and firearms smuggling.

According to Atty. Antonette Mangrobang, BI spokesperson, immigration officers will be more cautious in treating passengers who are legitimate tourists. Mangrobang assured them that there will also b e smoother processing in immigration counters.

Papers and processes

Legitimate OFWs must only present proof that they are legally documented workers, have undergone the proper application process in government agencies and have a guaranteed job overseas.

Mangrobang also added that if the passengers believe that some immigration officers tend to abuse their authority, they should immediately call the attention of their office. He promised to immediately act on complaints.

Susan Andes, a.k.a. Susan K is on board at RADYO INQUIRER 990 DZIQ AM, Mon-Fri, 7-8: 30 p.m. (live streaming: www.dziq.am); and at NBN Channel 4, Mon-Fri,10:10 p.m.-11:10 p.m. (Live streaming: www.ptni.tv). Bantay OCW Hotlines: 5357209/  8819423/  0919.214.0699. E-mail: [email protected] / [email protected]