Leave country as certified workers, Filipinos advised

By Criselda E. Diala
25 November 2006

DUBAI - The Philippines has been keen on preserving its stronghold in the international labour market but Filipinos are highly encouraged to leave the country as documented overseas workers, says the new Philippine labour attache for Dubai and the Northern Emirates. Virginia Calvez, who recently assumed the post as Philippine labour attache, emphasised during the Philippine community's monthly meeting recently that Filipinos eyeing jobs abroad have to go through the legal procedures. The UAE, particularly Dubai, has recently caught the attention of many job-seeking Filipinos despite the fact that working here on visit visa is illegal unless the tourists' visa can eventually be converted into employment.

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One-year ban for failing to report disputes

Dubai: A worker who terminates his labour contract for a valid reason must notify the Ministry of Labour within three months or he will be banned for a year, according to a new rule. If the worker does not inform the ministry he will be violating the law even though the work permit has not expired, the ministerial decision issued by Dr Ali Bin Abdullah Al Ka'abi , Minister of Labour, on Wednesday stipulates.

Humaid Bin Deemas, assistant undersecretary at the ministry, said the decision that outlines the rules for working in the country has been initiated to encourage workers to voice their concerns to the ministry and help regulate the job market. "The decision was taken to protect workers' right, solve their problems, educate them about their rights and create an opportunity to file their complaints and prevent exploitation," Bin Deemas said.

Expatriates have to notify the ministry if they terminate their labour contract within three months otherwise they will be violating the law even though the work permit has not expired, according the ministerial decision issued by Al Ka'abi on Wednesday.

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