The Philippine Embassy in Amman, Jordan has reminded the Association of Jordanian Recruitment Agencies (AJRA) to ensure that mechanisms are in place to protect and promote the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Akmad Atlah Sakkam made the statement during the Embassy’s 1st Quarter Dialogue with AJRA on February 2, 2022, at Bristol Hotel, Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
"You have a vital role to play in maintaining the friendship between the Philippines and Jordan by protecting our Filipino workers," the Ambassador emphasized during the consultation.
The Ambassador instituted the quarterly dialogue to address the pressing concerns of OFWs in Jordan especially during this time of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic when economic difficulties make OFWs more vulnerable to underpayment and non-payment of salaries.
The Philippine Embassy said it will work closely with the Association for the training of employers on labor laws and on the promotion of the rights and welfare of Filipino workers.
In partnership with the Philippine Embassy, the Association will put in place a mechanism where erring employers are blacklisted.
The two parties also sought to streamline referral pathways to ensure that distressed OFWs receive prompt, responsive, and adequate assistance.
The quarterly dialogue was attended by the new officers of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) headed by Labor Attaché Armi Evangel Peña who briefed the Association on the creation of the new Department of Migrant Workers.
Peña emphasized the Philippines’ resolve to protect the welfare and interests of migrant workers and commitment to promoting fair and ethical recruitment. She also reiterated that the rules surrounding the deployment of Filipino workers remain in place and reminded the Association to be guided by the POEA 2016 Rules for the Deployment of Land-based Workers.