Ban of OFWs in Libya stays

MANILA -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Sunday reminded Filipinos that the suspension of job recruitment to Libya is still in place following the ongoing conflict in the outskirts of Tripoli.

“The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli is warning Filipino jobseekers against individuals and agencies in the Philippines and Libya who have been recruiting workers for jobs in Libya,” the DFA through Assistant Secretary Emmanuel Fernandez said in a bulletin.

Only Filipinos who have existing work contracts and certificates of exemption from the Embassy and those who are on vacation in the Philippines are allowed to return to Libya.

According to DFA, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has not issued approval to any individual or agency in the Philippines and in Libya

to recruit and deploy nurses, engineers, and other workers to Libya.

The agency reiterated that the suspension in the recruitment, processing, and deployment of Filipinos in the Philippines or abroad for jobs in the medical, oil and gas, and other sectors in Libya remains in effect and has not been lifted.

“The Embassy reminds Filipinos who are bringing Filipino workers to Libya from the Philippines and other countries that they are liable for violating Republic Act 9208 as amended by Republic Act 10364 otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and Republic Act 10022 otherwise known as the Migrant Workers Act,” it warned.

“The public is encouraged to report these illegal activities to the Embassy here in Tripoli or the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or other concerned agencies of the government in the Philippines,” it added.

Despite the conflict near the Libyan capital, the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli assured it is working with Libyan authorities to ensure the safety and security of Filipino workers in the country and address other concerns that have been brought to its attention. (PNA)