POEA orders recruiters to submit updates on OFWs in Ebola-hit countries


August 8, 2014 1:21pm
Recruitment agencies that deployed land-based overseas Filipino workers to countries affected by the Ebola virus to submit regular updates on the OFWs' status.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said this covers recruiters that sent OFWs to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

"Using (an) OFW Monitoring Form, all recruitment agencies which have deployed land-based workers to the said countries shall regularly submit to this Administration the following reports," POEA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said in Memorandum Circular 6, dated Aug. 6.

He said they are to submit "on a weekly basis or immediately" a status report on the condition or situtation of the deployed workers on-site, when any worker manifests Ebola virus disease symptoms.

They are also to submit reports on vacationing or returning workers "at least one week prior to their return to the Philippines."

Cacdac said the agencies are also to "closely monitor the condition of their deployed workers and coordinate with their respective employers on matters affecting the welfare and employment status of the workers due to the threats of the Ebola Virus Disease."

Agency reports will be emailed to:

- Department of Health (DOH): Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy
Tel. No.: 6517800 loc 2354
Email: emerging.doh@gmail.com

- Department of Foreign Affairs: Office of Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA): Iris Vanessa Caranzo
Tel. No.: 8343016
Email: iris.caranzo@dfa.gov.ph

- Department of Foreign Affairs: Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA): Director Lorenzo Jungco
Tel. No. 8344884
Email: lorenzo.jungco@dfa.gov.ph

- POEA Pre-Employment Services Office: Director Nini Lanto
Tel. No. 7221150
Email: pso_poea@yahoo.com or marketing_poea@yahoo.com.ph

- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA): Hector Cruz
Email – hector-cruzjr@yahoo.com

Medical testing, clearance

Cacdac said employers should ensure that medical testing and treatment will be administered to their workers at the first signs of EVD symptoms, which include fever, headache, intense weakness, joint and muscle pains and sore throat.

"Workers who have been treated of the EVD symptoms shall seek medical clearance from the local health authorities of the country of employment prior to their departure for the Philippines," he said.

Repatriation

If the alert levels in the Ebola-affected countries reaches "3" (Voluntary Repatriation), employers or agencies shall ensure the immediate repatriation of their workers who wish to be repatriated, Cacdac said.

But if the alert level is raised to "4" (Mandatory Repatriation), employers/agencies shall ensure the immediate repatriation of their workers, "with all the workers administered Ebola Virus Test, at no expense to the workers, prior to their departure for the Philippines," he added. —Joel Locsin/KBK, GMA News

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