Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople on Friday, August 19, raised concern about the illegal trafficking of migrant workers outside the country, making overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) more vulnerable to abuse and danger.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) learned that some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in United Arab Emirates were being illegally recruited by fellow Filipinos and other foreign agents to work in a third country of destination such as Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon.

She also noted that even in Europe, there are some cases of Filipinos entering Poland, Hungary, and Romania without proper working documents so they often end up in the hands of abusive employers.

Therefore, Ople said that the DMW will hold significant discussions with other host countries to propagate responsible and fair labor practice for foreign employees, particularly the domestic workers.

She cited the importance of the adaptation of the Global Compact on Migration by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) where over 150 countries voted in favor of establishing strong cooperation among member states to protect migrants, including all foreign workers.

“Even countries where the sponsorship or ‘Kafala system’ is in place have signed this UN document, signifying their support to sound migration governance and humane treatment of migrant workers, including those in vulnerable occupations such as domestic work,” Ople said.

Kafala system is a monitoring mechanism for migrant workers that prevents them from quitting or changing employers even in cases of abuse.

Last Wednesday, August 17, senators led by Minority Floor Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III said they were mulling to implement a deployment ban on Filipino domestic helpers to countries practicing the Kafala system. (Jun Marcos Tadios)