POEA bans deployment of OFWs in four areas in Thailand


The governing board of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has banned the deployment of newly-hired OFWs in four specific areas in troubled Thailand.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz announced on Monday that the POEA board has approved a resolution on the ban in a meeting following consultation with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Under the resolution, the ban is effective in Bangkok, Nonthaburi Province, Lad Lum Kaew District (Pathumthani Province), and Bang Phli District (Samutprakan Province).

The ban was issued after the Thai government declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok and other surrounding areas stemming from the series of protests calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ying Luck Shinawatra.

“In view of this, the Governing Board decided to impose a temporary suspension on the processing and deployment of newly-hired OFWs bound for these areas in the Kingdom of Thailand,” said Baldoz, who chairs the POEA governing board.
 
The DFA has already raised crisis Alert Level 2 (Restriction Phase) in Thailand. This allows only the processing and deployment of returning OFWs with existing employment contracts.
 
“We strongly advise our OFWs in Thailand to be vigilant and avoid going out as much as possible, especially if they have nothing important to do outside. They should also stay alert and monitor the events in those areas. If they feel that their security and safety is compromised, they can always go to the Philippine Embassy,” Baldoz said.
 
POEA records show the annual deployment of OFWs to Thailand has declined from 9,204 in 2012 to 6,021 in 2013. Of the 6,021 OFWs deployed to Thailand last year, only 252 were new hires, while 5,769 were re-hires.
 
Republic Act 10022 authorizes the POEA Governing Board, after consultation with the DFA, to impose a ban on the deployment of Filipino migrant workers in pursuit of national interest or when public welfare so requires. — KBK, GMA News

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