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In this month's news, MARINA launches a 2024 campaign, "Charting a Clean Course, Safely Sailing Together," focusing on responsible leadership, sustainable practices, and inclusive development in the maritime sector. Administrator Sonia Malaluan aims for a corruption-free, competent, and disciplined administration, emphasizing integrity and professionalism among staff. Meanwhile, the International Bargaining Forum has designated the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as "high-risk areas," aiming to bolster protection for Filipino seafarers navigating these routes. This designation offers seafarers entitlements like the right to refuse sailing, increased compensation for death or disability, and wage bonuses. Finally, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, in its reconciled version approved by the Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee, excludes the controversial escrow provision. However, it mandates seafarers who win cases with the NLRC or NCMB to file a bond before receiving their awards.
Jan 09, 2024
In this month's news, the DMW eyes Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and the Czech Republic as potential new markets due to high demand for Filipino workers, with Austria potentially seeking 200,000, Hungary around 10,000 to 20,000, and Croatia and the Czech Republic considering hiring 5,000 to 10,000. They'll also continue sending workers to traditional destinations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Aside from this, Thousands of Filipino workers in Taiwan and Hong Kong will benefit from wage hikes starting January 1, 2024. In Taiwan, factory workers will see a 4.05% increase in monthly minimum salary and hourly wages. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's foreign domestic helpers will have a higher minimum wage and increased food allowance, applicable to new contracts after September 30, 2023. Furthermore, the DMW also issued 17% more overseas employment certificates, notably 608,000 for sea-based workers, a first-time high. Economic recovery from COVID-19 contributed to this surge.
Jan 09, 2024
In this month's news, various government agencies and maritime industry associations including DOTr , DOE, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Lighterage Association of the Philippines, and the Shipyard Association of the Philippines signed a manifesto pledging to prioritize maritime safety, protect the marine environment, and build a robust and sustainable maritime industry. Key areas of focus include improving navigational safety, modernizing maritime infrastructure, supporting the welfare and training of maritime professionals, ensuring good governance, and strengthening support systems. Moreover, SEC partners with DMW, Maya Bank, other fintech firms for its financial literacy campaign to protect OFWs from scams and to ensure that they have access to legitimate investment opportunities in the market. Meanwhile, DMW and 16 LGUs in Palawan collaborate for pre-employment seminars, aiming to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking. This focuses on educating OFWs about risks, benefits, and legal avenues for overseas employment.
Dec 05, 2023
In this month's news, DMW signed an MOU for 500 OFWs annually to fill Austria's job gaps in various sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and hospitality. This mutual cooperation aims for ethical and sustainable deployment, emphasizing Filipino workers' contributions to Austria's labor shortage and economic growth. Moreover, discussions between Germany and the Philippines are ongoing or a deal to streamline recruitment of Filipino professionals in Germany, expanding beyond healthcare. Meanwhile, DMW and 16 LGUs in Palawan collaborate for pre-employment seminars, aiming to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking. This focuses on educating OFWs about risks, benefits, and legal avenues for overseas employment.
Dec 05, 2023
Saudi Arabia stands out as an extraordinary destination for Filipinos seeking overseas employment. With the highest number of Filipinos working in the country compared to anywhere else globally, it's essential to explore the reasons why Saudi Arabia offers a smart choice for OFWs, particularly for our kababayans in the nursing and health/beauty/personal care industries. Let’s explore the experiences and the promising opportunities in the Land of the Two Holy Mosques.
Dec 05, 2023
Dreaming of a career overseas? WorkAbroad.ph opens doors to a world of possibilities, connecting aspiring Filipinos to international opportunities posted by DMW-licensed recruitment agencies. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigate your way through this platform and land your ideal job abroad.
Dec 04, 2023
Navigating the world of overseas job searches can be challenging, especially with the rise of recruitment scams. That's why we're excited to introduce WorkAbroad's latest feature: the 'Validate Agency Email' tool. This tool offers candidates an independent way to verify agency email addresses, empowering them to make informed decisions and navigate their job search journey with increased confidence. Similarly, it also helps to foster trust and reliability in their interactions with licensed recruitment agencies.
Nov 24, 2023
In this month's news, the Magna Carta of Seafarers has gained momentum in Congress, promising improved working conditions and a seafarer-centric approach for Filipino sailors, backed by the Department of Migrant Workers. Meanwhile, the maritime sector witnesses a transformative shift as women break stereotypes and demand equal opportunities in the industry, challenging misconceptions about their capabilities. Meanwhile, in the fight against online scammers targeting OFWs, Senator Raffy Tulfo calls for a comprehensive campaign, proposing financial literacy training programs to safeguard the hard-earned money of OFWs and addressing broader concerns in the sector.
Nov 10, 2023
In this month's news, the DMW has signed a memorandum of agreement with Austria, opening up more job opportunities for skilled overseas Filipino workers. Meanwhile, Senator Bong Go urgently appeals for the swift accountability and repatriation of OFWs affected by the Israel-Gaza conflict. In addition, the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs is conducting comprehensive public consultations to support the reintegration of returning OFWs in the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of employment opportunities, labor rights, mental health, and financial literacy.
Nov 10, 2023
Working abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience, offering opportunities to grow both professionally and personally. However, to make the most of your career abroad, it's essential to be mindful of the cultural considerations of your destination. Understanding and adapting to the local culture is key to building positive relationships with colleagues and locals, as well as ensuring a successful overseas work experience.
Nov 07, 2023