POEA to issue exit visas to displaced OFWs in Italy
Filipino workers in Italy who lost their jobs due to the economic slowdown there will soon be allowed to secure exit clearances that will enable them to enjoy privileges, including exemption from travel tax and terminal fee.
The POEA had earlier barred the displaced Filipinos from applying for an exit clearance, or the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC), since they do not have any existing employment contract.
In Memorandum Circular No. 13, the POEA said the affected Filipino workers will be allowed to secure their OEC provided they have an attesa disoccupazione, a permit given by the Italian government to migrant workers who have lost their job so they could stay there for another year to seek new employment.
"These workers shall be issued POEA balik-manggagawa exit clearance upon presentation of the following: passport valid at least six months from date of intended departure; copy of valid attesa disoccupazione," the memorandum said.
The agency added that those who would like to avail of the new polices would still undergo evaluation in its main or regional offices.
Once issued an OEC, the affected OFWs will enjoy its privileges, including exemption from travel tax and terminal fee, and will be monitored by POEA to ensure their employment rights are protected.
The circular takes effect 15 days after it is published in a newspaper of national circulation and filed with the office of the National Administrative Register. —KBK, GMA News
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