MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) appealed yesterday to overstaying Filipino workers in Oman to avail themselves of the amnesty program being offered by the Omani government for foreigners with expired work permit.
Labor Attache Romeo Young reported to Labor Secretary Marianito Roque that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman sent a note verbale to the Philippine Embassy requesting diplomats to inform overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) about the amnesty.
Young said the overstaying OFWs might leave the country before March 31 without paying fines.
Young said the embassy was tasked to enumerate and register the names of those who are leaving the country and to submit the documentary requirements of those who will avail of the amnesty.
Young said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has set up a “one-stop-shop” center for the registration and processing of overstaying workers who want to avail of the amnesty.
He said that after the initial announcement, 16 OFWs registered at the POLO-OWWA office and more workers are expected to avail of the amnesty as the deadline draws closer.
Young said Filipinos are likely to avail of more job opportunities in Oman after its Ministry of Manpower lifted the temporary ban on issuing work visas for 10 professions.
He said that based on reports from the Ministry of Manpower has allowed companies again to apply work visas for the following professions: shoe repair, real estate valuators, bicycle mechanic, electrician, upholstery workers, car mechanics, plumbers and painters, screen printing technicians, health club trainers, restaurants and coffee shop workers.
He, however, clarified that the suspension on eight other professions such as laundry and barbershop workers will continue until the end of the year.
Young said Omani employers have shown great interest in hiring more Filipino workers because of their good work habits, pleasing personality, and good disposition, which employers value most in the service-oriented establishments like hotels, parlors, restaurants, shopping centers and coffee shops. – Helen Flores, Philippine Star
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