The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has announced that ban on Au Pairs in all European country is now lifted.

Secretary Albert del Rosario said that the ban of au pairs in Europe has been lifted after the issuance of the new guidelines on the departures of Au Pairs to Europe. He added that prospective au pairs not to go to third party go-betweens since the procedures have been simplified at the least cost for the Filipino au pairs.

The new guidelines will give stricter measures and safety nets and protection to au pairs in Europe. The procedure for the departures of au pairs has also been simplified and documentary requirements down to the minimum.

According to the new guidelines, DFA will act as the lead agency in formulating policies on the au pair scheme. It is also mandated Philippine Embassies and Consulates in Europe to monitor and protect Filipino au pairs.

Departing au pairs need only to submit the following to the Bureau of Immigration at the port of departure: a contract of engagement duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General in the area of destination, valid passport with au pair visa, and a CFO certificate/sticker.

Also, Au pairs need not go through the DOLE or POEA procedures anymore, as they are not considered overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The new guidelines was drafted and agreed upon by the ad-hoc Technical Working Group, composed of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).

Au pair is a term used to describe those between 18 and 30 years of age, unmarried and without any children, placed under a cultural exchange arrangement with a European host family for a maximum stay of two years, unless otherwise allowed by host countries.

Under the au pair scheme, the au pair is placed in an immersion program in cultural and language learning in the specific European country of destination.  S/he shall live with the host family at par (au pair) or on an equal basis with the immediate members of the host family, shall be given pocket money, share in child care, light household chores and responsibilities previously agreed upon in an au pair placement contract between the au pair and the host family. 

The ban was imposed in 1998 due to isolated cases of abuse of the system by some unscrupulous elements.  In 2010, the ban was lifted for Switzerland, Norway and Denmark.