Italy OFWs get POEA relief

Displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Italy will soon be allowed to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

In its memorandum circular no. 13, POEA announced it will allow OFWs with a attesa disoccupazione to get their exit clearance or OEC.

The attesa disoccupazione is a permit given by the Italian government to migrant workers, who have lost their job in Italy, so they could stay there for another year to seek a 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," POEA said in two-page issuance, which was posted in its website last week.

It made the announcement in consideration of the OFWs, who may have been affected by the economic slowdown in Italy in recent years.

The affected Filipinos were previously barred by POEA from applying for an OEC since they do not have any existing employment contract.

Meanwhile, POEA said it will also exempt Filipino children, who were petitioned by their parents in Italy, from its restriction in giving out OECs to those still below 23-years old.

It noted this will apply for Filipino children, who were initially given motivi famillari visa and then later a permesso soggiorno lavora subordinato or a regular work permit by the Italian government.

Despite these guidelines, POEA said interested parties, who will avail of these new polices must still undergo evaluation in its main or regional offices.

Once issued an OEC, the groups covered by the new regulations will be able to enjoy its privileges, including exemption from travel tax and terminal fee, and will be monitored by POEA to ensure that their employment rights are protected.