An advisory from the Department of Labor states that the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates will soon sign a written agreement that would provide better protection for Filipino domestic helpers in the said Middle-Eastern country. The new pact is part of DOLE's continued effort to ensure decent and productive employment opportunities for Filipino household service workers that are working abroad.

The new agreement states provisions for a unified contract for HSWs that is patterned to what is currently used in Saudi Arabia. Labor Secretary, Baldoz said, “The Philippines will be waiting for a note verbale from the UAE government when it is ready anytime in November to sit down and draft a unified HSW contract. If it pushes through as agreed by both parties, it will become the second such accord in the Philippines.”

The announcement was made after the labor chief meet with UAE Labor Minister Saqr Saeed Ghobash and with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in Abu Dhabi last 29-30 September 2013. The unified contract will afford protection for the HSWs in terms of working conditions, working hours and days, rest and recreation, salaries, and proper treatment, among others. Most importantly, the unified contract will put a stop to contract switching and alteration. With the country’s high regard for HSWs abroad, the Philippine government has strict regulations in terms of their recruitment and deployment abroad.

Baldoz gave marching orders to the Labor Attaches to immediately report to the department within 48 hours any complaints of HSW maltreatment, file a case against their Philippines-based recruitment agencies, and compel them to buy tickets so the woman can return home”, as soon as possible.

Accreditation of foreign placement agencies who deployed HSWs who were maltreated, rape, battered, and whose contracts were violated will be immediately cancelled by the POLOs. “If they cannot obey our laws, we stop their business,” Baldoz warned.

On another note, LaborAttache to Dubai Delmer Cruz reported to the Labor Chief that the overseas labor office has a wide range of activities and services being offered to the distressed overseas Filipino workers staying at the Migrant Workers and Other Filipinos Resource Center (MWOFRC).

“While they are waiting for their time to return to the Philippines, we make sure that they are spending their time wisely and productively so that they are empowered once they go back to their families,” Cruz said.

POLO-Dubai offers skills training such as Jewelry and Accessories Making; Massage Therapy and Reflexology; Dressmaking and Sewing; Balloon Making; Arts and Crafts; Cosmetology and Wellness; Basic Photography for Livelihood; Cosmetology; Training on Clerical and Office Practice/Housekeeping; and Entreprenurial Development Training and Business Counselling which includes Balik-Pinay, Balik-Hanapbuhay Orientation and How to Generate Your Business Idea.

Psychosocial services such as Learning Session on Unleashing Potential and health and wellness activities such as medical and dental outreach program and physical fitness exercises/aero-exercises are also given to them to ensure their holistic well-being.

“We wanted to make sure that the time they spent here is time well spent. These activities and services will not only make their stay here worthwhile, but will also give them the opportunity to start fresh once they are back in the Philippines,” Cruz added.