Libya recruits thousands of OFWs for its development projects

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) particularly those in the construction, oil and gas, hotels, and in the medical and other services sectors are needed in Libya, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) today said.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque cited a report from Labor Attache Nasser S. Mustafa of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tripoli which showed that various companies in Libya are currently recruiting thousands of OFWs and even expected to recruit more OFWs in the coming years.

Roque said that for this year, more than 16,000 job opportunities in Libya are available for OFWs as this country continues to be in need of foreign workers for its numerous development projects.

He said that while jobs were lost in countries affected by the global economic crisis, the employment situation in Libya remains upbeat and highly favorable for OFWs.

He said Libya is impervious of the harsh effects of the global crisis due largely to its oil resources, noting that its government continuously focuses on this country's development with vigor.

Libya is a wealthy nation due to its oil reserves, which is largest in North Africa. Its small population of about six million has enabled its government to provide subsidies and embark on massive development projects funded by huge oil revenues that offer continuous employment opportunities for OFWs.

Right now, Roque said Libya focuses on the construction aspect of its development. He said that Korean firms like Daewoo, Hyundai, and Al Nahr are currently recruiting thousands of OFWs for their development and construction projects in Libya.

He said these firms need Filipino engineers, other professionals, and skilled construction workers for the construction of Libya's man-made river, hotels, power plants, housing units, and road and renovation projects. Oil firms in Libya have also signified their intention to recruit professionals and skilled oil and gas workers from the Philippines.

The DOLE Chief said that Labor Attache Mustafa is constantly conducting meetings with these companies as well as with other firms in Libya in need of foreign workers to pave the way for the recruitment and deployment of OFWs with appropriate skills to this country.

Roque also noted that the ongoing frenzied construction projects particularly on the establishment of hotels in Libya would mean more employment opportunities for OFWs in the hotel and tourism related sectors in this country.

He said Libya, which is along the Mediterranean and strategically located to serve as transit point for tourists traveling between Africa and Europe, may also in the near future recruit Filipino hotel and related workers to man its developing tourism industry.

Roque added that Filipino doctors and nurses and other medical workers may also be deployed soon to Libya. He said the POLO in Tripoli has started talks with the Libyan health ministry for the recruitment of around 4,000 Filipino medical workers for the Tripoli and Benghazi Medical Centers and other hospitals and clinics in Libya.

The Tripoli-based POLO is also looking up to opportunities for OFWs in Algeria, Chad, Malta, and Morocco particularly in hotel, oil and gas, and technical services sectors.

"The employment prospects in Libya and nearby nations are favorable for OFWs as they continue to be the preferred choice among foreign employers," Roque said noting that OFWs have become popular abroad not only for their skills, industry, adaptability, and facility with the English language but also especially for their cheery disposition.


source: Information and Publication Service (DOLE)

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