16,000 jobs available in Libya – DOLE

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos aspiring to work abroad may train their eyes on Libya which is now in need of workers in various fields, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced yesterday.

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said some 16,000 job opportunities are available in Libya particularly in the medical, oil, hotels and construction sectors.

Roque said Libya is booming and needs foreign workers for its numerous development projects.

“While jobs were lost in countries affected by the global economic crisis, the employment situation in Libya remains upbeat and highly favorable for OFWs,” he said.

Roque said Libya is “impervious” to the global financial crunch because of its vast oil reserves, said to be the largest in North Africa.

“Its small population of about six million has enabled its government to provide subsidies and embark on massive development projects funded by huge oil revenues that offer continuous employment opportunities for OFWs,” he said.

Roque said foreign construction firms in Libya like Korean firms Daewoo, Hyundai, and the Arab firm Al Nahr expressed their preference for Filipino workers.

These companies have hired Filipino engineers and skilled construction workers for the construction of Libya’s man-made river, hotels, power plants, housing units, and road and renovation projects, he said.

“Oil firms in Libya have also signified their intention to recruit professionals and skilled oil and gas workers from the Philippines,” Roque added.

The tourism industry is also upbeat in Libya, according to Roque, considering the fast paced construction of hotels in the region.

Strategically located along the Mediterranean, Libya serves as transit point for tourists traveling between Africa and Europe.

Roque said Filipino doctors, nurses and other medical workers are also needed in Libya.

He said talks are underway between the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Tripoli and the Libyan government for the recruitment of medical workers in the Benghazi Medical Center and other health facilities in Libya.

The Tripoli-based POLO is also scouting opportunities for Filipino workers in Algeria, Chad, Malta, and Morocco, particularly in the hotel, oil and gas, and technical services sectors.

Roque said Filipino workers are extremely popular among foreign employers not only for their skills, industry, adaptability, and facility with the English language but also especially for their “cheery disposition.” –Sheila Crisostomo, Philippine Star