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Posts published in “OFW”

The news for all OFWs

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) denounces the massive illegal recruitment for jobs in Italy

October 2, 2023

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has denounced the massive illegal recruitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for jobs in Italy.

Here’s the full text of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) statement;

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) denounces reported acts of massive illegal recruitment schemes preying on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) being charged with illegal and exorbitant placement and consultancy fees and lured into non-existent jobs in Italy.

The DMW is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in Manila and the Philippine Consulate General in Milan (PCG-Milan), and our Migrant Workers Office in Milan (MWO-Milan) in the investigation of alleged perpetrator agencies and individuals both in Italy and the Philippines.

The DMW is also working with the Department of Justice (DoJ) through our Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), in documenting and investigating the complaints of nearly 100 victims last week.

The DMW warns the public on offers of fake overseas job offers and the illegal collection of exorbitant placement fees. Through our AKSYON Fund, the DMW will put the full force of the law to bear on unscrupulous individuals and organizations and seek justice for victimized OFWs.

The DMW urges other victims of illegal recruitment to contact us and report these offenses so we may assist them in the filing of their cases. They may reach us through the Facebook page of our Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) at https://www.facebook.com/airbranch or email at mwpb@dmw.gov.ph and also through their hotline number +63 2 8721-0619.

DICT and DFA Launches eVisa Application to Improve Visa Processing for Foreigners

August 26, 2023

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched an eVisa application system, which is expected to improve the visa processing experience for foreigners who wish to visit the Philippines.

The eVisa system was launched on August 24, 2023, at the DFA Office of the Consular Affairs in Pasay City. The launch was led by DICT Undersecretary for e-Government David L. Almirol Jr. and DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo.

“The eVisa is our clear message to the world that we recognize the benefits of digital technology for efficient and quality public service. With eVisa, we are adapting to the realities of modern travel, transforming the Philippines into a top-of-mind destination for business and leisure.” Undersecretary Almirol said in his speech.

The eVisa system allows foreign nationals to apply for a visa to the Philippines online. This eliminates the need to visit a Philippine embassy or consulate in person, and it can significantly reduce the time it takes to process a visa application.

The eVisa system will initially be available to Chinese citizens who can submit their Philippine visa requirements online as the eVisa system accommodates the Philippine Consular offices in Xiamen, Shanghai, Macau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Guangzhou, Chongqing, as well as the Philippine Embassy in Beijing.

It is planned to be available for citizens of 15 countries, including Japan, South Korea, and the United States. The government plans to expand the list of eligible countries in the future.

By offering unparalleled convenience and improved public service delivery, eVisa is expected to facilitate ease of doing business and reinvigorate the country’s tourism sector. The salient features of the eVisa Application system include:

  1. Improved Efficiency: Allowing applicants to submit their required eVisa documents online from the comfort of their homes eliminates the need for physical visits to government offices. This not only saves time for the applicants but also streamlines the processing for the authorities.
  2. Fast Processing and Decision-Making: Embracing digital transactions and automation can significantly speed up the processing of visa applications.
  3. Secure Online Payments: The eVisa Application system provides secure online payment options, enhancing transparency and minimizing security risks.
  4. User-centric interface: The website’s user-friendly interface gives clear instructions, making sure applicants can go through the process easily and confidently.
  5. Real-time updates: Applicants can monitor the status of their application in real-time, reducing uncertainties and concerns.

This project shows the Philippine government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the efficiency and convenience of the visa application process for various international visitors. Further, eVisa is aligned with the global trend where various governments are adopting digital solutions to improve public services and operational efficiency.

The launching of the eVisa Application system is expected to pave the way for an optimized and seamless visa application experience that is poised to set new benchmarks in global best practices.

Other government agencies that took part in the development of the eVisa include the Department of Tourism, the Department of Justice, and the Bureau of Immigration.

Source: DICT

Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) arrested by Taif Police for promoting methamphetamine (shabu)

July 10, 2023
Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) arrested by Taif Police for promoting methamphetamine (shabu)

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) was arrested by Taif Police for promoting methamphetamine or commonly known as shabu, Saudi General Security reported via their official twitter account (@security_gov) on Sunday, July 9, 2023. The OFW was transferred to appropriate authorities in order to make the legal actions against him.

Social Media users trolls DOT by posting tourists spots from other countries then swapping its name to that of the Philippines

July 6, 2023

Department of Tourism (DOT) headed by Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco have been in the hotseat lately because of the new promotional video that they released contains stock footage from different countries posing as a tourist spot in the Philippines.

Of course, a number of netizen including politician in the Philippines are critical of this blunder, prompting DOT to terminate the contract with the DDM. With all these development, social media users are trolling DOT by posting tourists spots of other countries adding the name to that of the Philippines tourist destinations.

The Pyramid of Egypt as Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

Mount Fuji in Japan as Mount Apo in the Davao Region, and Cotabato in Soccsksargen.

The Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada, posing as the Maria Cristina Falls in Iligan City.

Of course they will include the Dolomite Beach, Manila, which uses the photo of Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Then the iconic Binondo–Intramuros Bridge and San Juanico Bridge using the photo of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Califronia.

Facebook user Jenny Ranoco made her bucketlist that includes Aurora Blvd. in Cubao, Enchanted Kingdom, Eastwood, Mall of Asia and the famous Bangui Winmills in Ilocos Norte.

And last but certainly not the least, Atty. Chel Diokno jesting that his photo in the Roman Colosseum is the Intramuros in Manila.

Then this IG post of Tricia Robredo with her sisters and mother Atty. Leni Robredo, the post includes the hashtag #iykyk, which stands for “if you know, you know.” The photo was taken in Budapest, Hungary and we Matthias Church as their backdrop.

These posting may appear to nothing more than jokes for their face value, but I’m hoping that Tourism Dept. (DOT) and the country in general will be able to recover from this fiasco and move on and improve their campaigns in inviting tourists in the country.

I’ll more than happy to see a promotional video similar to this video that Tiktok user Josh Chua created;

@txcjosh Not an ad but this is how I fell in love with the Philippines. #tourismphl #djiglobal #DJIPhilippines #DJIJosh #philippines #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound – Joshua Chua

Riyadh Air unveil designs for their planes and new promotional video

June 5, 2023

Riyadh Air unveil the first of two design of their fleet which blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance. The name Riyadh Air can be seen across the plane and features a lavender colors with stripes design.

Together with the new planes, Riyadh Air also release a 51 secs promo video that teases the public regarding an event on June 12th.

Public Investment Fund (PIF) first announce Riyadh Air in March of this year, explaining that the airline is expected to add US$20 billion to non-oil GDP growth, and create more than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Saudi Astronaut Ali Alqarni shares image of Riyadh from the International Space Station

May 29, 2023

Saudi Astronaut Ali Alqarni who went to the International Space Station (ISS) last 22nd of May via Axiom Space’s Ax-2 mission, just a picture of Riyadh from the International Space Station (ISS). The image is a photo of a shining Riyadh at night. Astrounaut Ali Alqarni also shared a picture of the flag of Saudi Arabia inside the ISS.

The Saudi Crew are currently conducting educational outreach and conduct innovative research experiments while in orbit. The Axiom Space’s Ax-2 mission crew are currently in orbit and are scheduled to return early June 2022.

Department of Migrant Workers shuts down operations of unlicensed Maritime Firm

March 30, 2023

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople has ordered the closure of a maritime consultancy firm JCB-Success Maritime Consultancy Services, a maritime consultancy firm in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

The closure of the firm came after Manuel Jericho L. Ramos, one of the victims, complained that the firm was able to deliver their promised deployment after asking “him and three other applicants to pay P75,000 each as placement fee and encouraged to convince other colleagues to apply for positions offered by JCB.”

In addition to the filed complain, JCB is operating without any permit from the DMW. JCB operations is to offer jobs as deck seafarers, able engine seafarers, oilers, engineers, and yacht stewards. When a potential applicants/victim submitted the requirements like Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB), passport, resume, skill certifications, etc. They (victims) are then referred to an “international manning agency” for deployment. This is where the applicants are duped in “gettug” an offer and deployment, this is where the collection of fees are initiated.

It was determined that even those unqualified applicant were “promised jobs.”

JCB claimed that they have been deploying applicants since November 2022.

With its closure, JCB-Success Maritime Consultancy Services, its owner, employees, and officers will be included in the DMW’s list of persons and establishments with derogatory records. They will be barred from participating in the government’s overseas recruitment program.

The DMW will file illegal recruitment cases against the firm’s owner and officers.

Under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, any act of hiring Filipino workers, undertaken without license or authority from the DMW, is considered illegal recruitment.
Illegal recruitment victims may contact the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau directly through their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/airbranch/ or email them at airbranch@dmw.gov.ph.

Philippine Airlines announces new NAIA Terminal Assignment

March 28, 2023

In connection to the MIAA’s announcement regarding the terminal changes for domestic and international flights. Philippine Airlines (PAL) made their own announce regarding the new terminal assignment.

In a nutshell, all PAL flights to and from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh, and Singapore will depart from and arrive at Terminal 1, then All other PAL international flights, as well as all domestic flights, depart from and arrive at NAIA Terminal 2.

Here’s the full text of PAL’s announcement;

Travel Advisory
CHANGES IN PAL’S MANILA (NAIA) TERMINALS
Vietnam, Cambodia and Singapore flights will use NAIA Terminal 1 from April 16, 2023.

Starting April 16, 2023, Philippine Airlines flights to and from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Phnom Penh, and Singapore will depart from and arrive at Terminal 1 of Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), along with PAL flights to the United States, Guam, Canada and Bali.

All other PAL international flights, as well as all domestic flights, depart from and arrive at NAIA Terminal 2. Please see the full list below.

Please check the flight terminal assigned to your flight before proceeding to the airport, to ensure a hassle-free departure and arrival.

Shuttle buses between Terminals 1 and 2 will be available for PAL passengers arriving in either terminal and connecting to a flight in the other terminal. Passengers of other airlines may use the shuttle buses provided by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

The transfer of these additional routes to Terminal 1 is part of a terminal reassignment initiative of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to ease congestion and improve passenger convenience at all terminals.

Complete List of PAL flights and corresponding Manila terminals:
From April 16, 2023:

T1 – NAIA TERMINAL 1 – Departures and Arrivals:

  • Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
  • Phnom Penh
  • Singapore
  • Bali
  • Middle East – Dubai, Doha, Dammam, Riyadh
  • Canada – Toronto, Vancouver
  • United States – Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Honolulu
  • Guam

T2 – NAIA TERMINAL 2 – Departures and Arrivals:
All PAL Domestic Flights

  • Australia – Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Melbourne
  • Bangkok
  • Korea – Seoul (Incheon), Busan
  • Japan – Fukuoka, Tokyo (Haneda), Tokyo (Narita), Osaka (Kansai), Nagoya
  • Mainland China – Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Jinjiang, Xiamen, Hong Kong
  • Jakarta
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Macau
  • Port Moresby
  • Taipei

If your flight is departing on or before April 15, 2023, these are the NAIA terminals in use at present:
MANILA DEPARTURES and ARRIVALS (until April 15, 2023 only):
• NAIA Terminal 1 – for PAL International flights to/from the United States and Guam, Toronto, Vancouver, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Bali.
• NAIA Terminal 2 – for all PAL domestic and international flights, except flights to/from the United States and Guam, Toronto, Vancouver, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam and Bali.

Thank you.

MIAA announces terminal change for domestic and international flights

March 28, 2023

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) just announced the second phase of its Schedule & Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR) program in April.

In their announcement, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 will only be for all domestic flights. While Terminals 1 and 3, are now assigned for international flights, since there are wider selection of food and retail stores, and duty free shopping for passengers.

MIAA also said that “under the new scheme, Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) will be deployed in Terminals 1 and 3.

Here are the dates to remember for the MIAA Schedule & Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR)

April 16

  • Jetstar Japan, Jetstar Asia, Scoot, China Southern Airlines and Starlux Airlines will be transferred to Terminal 3.
  • Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights to and from Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, and Phnom Penh will be transferred to Terminal 1.

June 1

  • Ethiopian Airlines and Jeju Air will transfer to Terminal 3.

June 16

  • All international flights of Philippine Airlines will move to Terminal 1.

July 1

  • This will be the third phase of STAR, all domestic flights of Philippines AirAsia will be operated from NAIA Terminal 2.
  • Domestic operations of Cebu Pacific will remain in Terminals 3 and 4.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) kicked-off their Schedule & Terminal Assignment Rationalization (STAR) program in December 2022. where they reassigned PAL flights to and from the United States, the Middle East, Canada and Bali to Terminal 1.

This is what MIAA General Manager Cesar Chiong said regarding the STAR Program;

With this move, we expect a significant increase in Terminal 2’s capacity from 7.5M to 10M passengers a year, 20 to 25% more than its current rate.

The STAR program is a well-studied undertaking. We met with affected airlines and stakeholders to make sure they come up with their readiness plan as part of these changes. We advised them to get in touch with their affected passengers so they can inform them of the new terminal assignments.

While we are planning for a seamless transition, there could be some minor inconveniences during this period hence our appeal for understanding as this is part of our strategic program to improve the overall experience of our customers.

This is the Ramadan Schedule of Philippine Embassy in Riyadh

March 18, 2023

Philippine Embassy in Riyadh just announced that their Ramadan schedule will be from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM, the Ramadan Schedule is expected to start this 23rd of March until 21st of April. The agency also posted contact details that OFW can call incase of emergencies or urgent inquiries.

I embedded their post below for additional details.

All Assistance-to-Nationals of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will now be under Migrant Workers Office (MWO)

February 19, 2023

Here’s something to all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) around the world, starting March 1, 2023, all Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) will be managed by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO). This in accordance with the Republic Act No. 11641 or the Department of Migrant Workers Act.

In addition to all labor concern, Assistance-to-Nationals concern will include but not limited to the following;

  • police cases/legal assistance
  • repatriation request
  • immigration issues
  • shipment of remains
  • welfare assistance

Aside from ATN concerns, Migrant Workers Office (MWO) will also be handing non-OFW concerns from students, tourists and pilgrims.

This is what their websie said about the Migrant Workers Office;

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is the executive department of the Philippine government tasked to protect the rights and promote the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The department was created by virtue of Department of Migrant Workers Act or the Republic Act No. 11641, which was signed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on December 30, 2021.

The Department of Migrant Workers Act (RA 11641) took effect on February 3, 2022, wherein the DMW was created, established, and constituted. It now assumes and performs all the powers and functions of seven merged agencies, namely: the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA) of the DFA; the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) and all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) under DOLE; the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP); the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRC) under the OWWA, and the Office of the Social Welfare Attaché (OSWA) under the DSWD.

The DMW is mandated to facilitate the overseas employment and reintegration of Filipino workers, while taking into consideration the national development programs of the National Economic and Development Authority. It is also tasked to promote the empowerment and protection of OFWs through continuous training and knowledge development.

Changes to Passport Renewal Process at the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh this New Year

January 4, 2023

Philippine Embassy in Riyadh just announced that there will be changes in the passport renewal this 2023. The announcement took effect last Jan 3, 2023, the Consular Section of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh will only receive regular passport renewal application through VFS Global both in Riyadh and in Al Khobar. Walk-ins are allowed adn no need for an appointment.

Philippine Embassy in Riyadh will still provide the following services;

  1. Passport applications for newborns
  2. Issuance of emergency travel documents
  3. Resolutions of issues with passport applications
  4. Civil Registry (Reports of Birth, Marriage and Death)
  5. Application for marriage and solemnization of marriage
  6. Correction of entries in birth certificates and marriage contracts registered at the Embassy
  7. Notarial
  8. Visa

Philippines launches eTravel platform to replace One Health Pass

December 3, 2022

The Philippine government just launched the eTravel platform that will as an online Health Declaration and Contact Tracing platform that aims to promote a convenient and seamless movement of international travelers from departure from the country of origin to arrival at the Local Government Unit (LGU) of destination. The service is for all foreign and Filipino international travelers, including infants and children.

The eTravel service started last December 2, the Health Declaration Checklist of the Department of Health-Bureau of Quarantine may be accessed through etravel.gov.ph and anyone accessing the One Health Pass will be redirected to the new eTravel domain. On December 5, the One Health Pass website no longer be accessible by the public.

Using and eTravel platform registration is free and does not collect or require any form of online payment.

Here’s the announcement from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF – EID);

Pursuant to the Philippine Government’s efforts to streamline its entry procedures and data collection processes, we inform you of the launch of the eTravel platform, an online registration system for travelers to the Philippines and returning residents.

Beginning 0001H of 02 December 2022, the Health Declaration Checklist of the Department of Health-Bureau of Quarantine may be accessed through etravel.gov.ph.

Passengers using the former www.onehealthpass.com.ph will be redirected to the new eTravel domain. On December 5, the old domain of the One Health Pass will no longer be accessible to the public.

The eTravel platform will host the electronic version of the paper Arrival Card that travelers must submit upon arrival in the Philippines for immigration clearance. Starting 05 December 2022, the Bureau of Immigration will discontinue using the paper Arrival Card. All travelers will be required to provide their arrival information and health declaration through the eTravel portal.

Registration on the eTravel platform is free. The public is warned against transacting with any entities or websites soliciting payments and fees of any kind as these are in no way related to the official eTravel platform of the Philippine Government.

The eTravel platform is a joint initiative of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) in partnership with the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to create whitelists and blacklists of recruitment agencies

November 22, 2022

In conjunction with the resumption of deployment OFW in Saudi Arabia, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will create a whitelists and blacklists of recruitment agencies.

DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said in a televised public briefing, that the Department would only allow whitelisted agencies to recruit overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to KSA.

USec Cacdac also added “Yung nabanggit kong whitelisting at blacklisting ng mga recruitment agencies ay itinatalaga na namin para siguradong yung a-apply-an ng mga OFWs natin ay hindi nabibilang sa blacklist at sa halip ay nabibilang sa whitelist.”

Source: GMA News

DFA welcomes the return of four abused Filipino nurses from Saudi Arabia, November 12th, 2022.

November 14, 2022

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced the safety return of four (4) abused Filipino Nurses from Saudi Arabia.

The four nurses originally filed a labor complaint against their employer for maltreatment, verbal and physical abuse, and unpaid salaries. The employer retaliated by filing cases against them for theft and labor contract violations for which they were eventually detained, to which the 4 OFW lost the case then later detained.

While in detention, DFA provided the workers with legal and welfare assistance and was able to successfully secure their release and repatriated back to the Philippines.

“The release from detention and the repatriation of the four nurses are proof that the DFA remains fully committed to its mandate to assist our distressed overseas Filipinos, especially when they are victims of abuses by their employers,” affirmed DFA Acting Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs Eduardo Jose A. De Vega.

Source: Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

OFW deployment in Saudi Arabia to start on November 7th 2022

September 14, 2022

Great news for our kababayan wanting to find jobs in Saudi Arabia, since the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to RESUME the deployment of Filipino workers to the Kingdom starting 7th November 2022.

You can read the joint statement of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) below;

The announcement was posted on official Facebook page of Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia.

344 Distressed OFW repatriated from Saudi Arabia

August 28, 2022

More than 300 distressed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) arrived from Saudi Arabia.

In a statement posted on the official Facebook page of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW);

the repatriation was arranged by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), an attached agency of the DMW. They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on board PR8657.

Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople said “The DMW, through OWWA, will be extending the needed assistance to all our repatriated kababayan, including medical help and transportation,”

Sec. Ople added “among the repatriated workers are four OFWs with medical conditions and five suffering from mental illness. These OFWs have been provided with medical assistance. The OWWA is also helping one OFW from Iloilo who came home to attend to a tragedy within the family.”

Other OFWs will be quarantine in a hotel in Quezon City and will be tested for COVID-19. Once cleared, they workers will be provided transportation assistance by OWWA to be reunited with their families.

Source: Department of Migrant Workers FB page

Saudi Government will no longer shoulder the COVID-19 cost for patients in private hospital

March 19, 2022

Saudi Arabia will no longer pay for the treatment of COVID-19 cost for patients in private private sector.

This was announced by Council of Health Insurance (Dhaman) last Tuesday, 14th of March, that the government will no longer bear the treatment costs of COVID-19 patients in the private hospitals and other health facilities. The announcement was made through a Dhaman circular sent to all the approved healthcare service providers and the qualified health insurance companies in the Kingdom.

Dhaman circular also emphasis the need to be vaccinated as well as take the booster shots for all the people inside the Kingdom in accordance with the directives of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Public Health Authority (Weqaya).

Patients who are not eligible with for treatment or insurance coverage, can still avail of the services by getting the approval from MoH.

For more details, you can read the full report from Saudi Gazette;

Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia announces the extension for Overseas Voting Registration until 14 October 2021

September 30, 2021
Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia announces the extension for Overseas Voting Registration until 14 October 2021

Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia has announced that the Overseas Voting Registration will be extended until 14 October 2021. The Overseas Voting Registration can be done in the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, VFS Riyadh and in Al Khobar branches.

Documents required for the Overseas Voting Registration are;

  1. Completed OV Form No. 1, which you can download from https://irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/irehistro/ovf1.
  2. Valid Philippine Passport
  3. For OFW that has dual citizenship, provide a certified true copy of the signed ‘Oath of Allegiance/Order of Approval/Identification Certification.

Then just submit the required documents to the Embassy/Consulate for processing.

You can go to Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia official facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PHLinKSA/posts/6531414980264852, for more information.

GACA issue new guidelines for residents and visitors entering Saudi Arabia and shorten quarantine period

September 14, 2021

Saudi’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued today, Sept. 13th, new instructions to all airliners operating in the Kingdom’s airports to update their respective entry mechanism and procedures, for residents and visitors arriving in the Kingdom from permitted countries and to reduce the period of institutional quarantine.

Here’s the official statemenet from GACA;

First: A non-vaccinated person who has received one dose of the approved vaccines in the Kingdom, provided that he submits a negative (PCR) exam of a sample swab taken within (72) hours before leaving to the Kingdom at the latest, and that institutional quarantine procedures are applied to him for a period of five days. Furthermore, a corona exam to be conducted within (24) hours of arrival, and another exam on the fifth day after arrival (the recipient must adhere to the times of the corona examination based on what appears to him in the “Tawakkalna” application in the chronology service). The period of institutional quarantine ends with the appearance of a negative test result.

Second: Arriving passengers who completed one of the vaccines not approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) and not approved in the Kingdom, or who completed one of the vaccines approved by the World Health Organization and not approved in the Kingdom, provided that he submits a negative PCR exam of a sample swab taken within (72) hours before leaving for The Kingdom at the highest estimate, and that institutional quarantine procedures are applied to him for a period of five days, and that a corona examination is conducted within (24) hours of arrival and another examination on the fifth day after arrival (the recipient must adhere to the times of corona examination based on what appears to him in the Tawakkalna application, in the chronology service), and the period of institutional quarantine ends with the appearance of a negative test result.

GACA also stated that dependents can also enter the country with their “immune” relatives, in accordance to the following;

First: Unvaccinated dependents under the age of eighteen shall be subject to home quarantine procedures for a period of five days, provided that a corona exam (for those who have completed eight years and above) is conducted on the fifth day, and that they’re committed to applying all precautionary measures determined by the Ministry of Health.

Second: Institutional quarantine procedures are applied to unvaccinated dependents who are eighteen years of age, or older.

These new guidelines will take effect on Sept 23rd.

GCA also stressed the following;

  • Arriving residents must complete the vaccine doses available in the Kingdom after the end of the institutional quarantine period, and whoever completed one of the vaccines approved by the organization and not approved in the Kingdom (currently the Sinopharma vaccine and the Sinovac vaccine) should obtain a booster dose from one of the vaccines available in the Kingdom after arrival.
  • Arriving passengers must register on “Quddum” platform before going to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Isolation procedures will be applied according to the Ministry of Health protocols, for those who will be tested positive during institutional quarantine
  • Recovery from infection with the Coronavirus is not considered as a justification to not undergo Institutional quarantine procedures.

GACA also added that the amendment of the home quarantine procedures also applies to the non-vaccinated, which requires a home quarantine for a period of five days, and a PCR exam will be conducted on the fifth day in accordance to Ministry of Health protocols. A person will not be allowed to all places, activities, events and government and private facilities and the use of public transportation without being vaccinated with one of the approved coronavirus vaccines in the Kingdom.

Source: GACA

Overseas Voting Registration is still ongoing in the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and VFS Riyadh and Al Khobar branches

August 18, 2021
Overseas Voting Registration is still ongoing in the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and VFS Riyadh and Al Khobar branches

The Facebook page of Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia just posted that Overseas Voting Registration is still ongoing in The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and VFS Riyadh and Al Khobar branches. The Overseas Voting Registration started last May 29th, 2021 and expect to continue until further notice.

The Overseas Voting Registration is still ongoing in The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and VFS Riyadh and Al Khobar branches.

For more information on the Overseas Voting Registration in The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh: https://rb.gy/pjqgr6

For more information on the Overseas Voting Registration in VFS Global Al Khobar Branch: https://rb.gy/vywy8q

To know more about the documentary requirements: https://rb.gy/b3jqma

Filipino Seafarers are now included in the priority list of National COVID-19 Vaccination Program

April 12, 2021

Good news to all Filipino Seafarers, since Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approves the recommendation of the DOTr to include them in the priority list of the government’s national vaccination rollout.

“This is a very good development for our maritime industry champions— our seafarers. Now, our Filipino seafarers will be given priority to be vaccinated. Paulit-ulit ko pong inilalarawan ang ating maritime workforce bilang mga silent workers ng bayan. They work silently, yet their contribution is as crucial as keeping the economy thriving. Not only are they frontliners, but they are undoubtedly HEROES, too,” DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade expressed.

There are currently 730,651 Filipino seafarers and all are for consideration in the A4 category. You can go here for more details on the groups of persons listed under A4 category.

Here’s the full text of Department of Transportation (DOTr) official statement;

FILIPINO SEAFARERS NOW INCLUDED IN PRIORITY LIST IN THE NAT’L COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM

Filipino seafarers get a closer shot at getting vaccines against COVID-19 as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approves the recommendation of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to include them in the priority recipients listed in the government’s national vaccination rollout.

“This is a very good development for our maritime industry champions— our seafarers. Now, our Filipino seafarers will be given priority to be vaccinated. Paulit-ulit ko pong inilalarawan ang ating maritime workforce bilang mga silent workers ng bayan. They work silently, yet their contribution is as crucial as keeping the economy thriving. Not only are they frontliners, but they are undoubtedly HEROES, too,” DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade expressed.

DOTr OIC Assistant Secretary for Maritime VADM Narciso Vingson Jr., who also chairs the Inter-Agency Working Group tasked to firm up the DOTr’s proposal on the priority vaccination of Filipino seafarers in recognition of the vital role they play amid the present global crisis, presented the proposal and justification in a meeting with the IATF.
“The working group is in the unified position to push for the prioritization of Filipino seafarers in the country’s COVID-19 vaccination program to secure their employment, and to ensure the safe shipping operations of essential goods amid the pandemic,” Asec. Vingson said.

Aside from DOTr, the working group is composed of officials from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO). It also represents the local Licensed Manning Agencies through the membership of the Association of Licensed Manning Agencies (ALMA), Joint Manning Group (JMG), Filipino Association for Mariner’s Employment (FAME), and the Philippine Association of Manning Agencies and Ship Managers (PAMAS).

From falling under B3 (Other essential workers) or B5 (Overseas Filipino Workers) in the Vaccination Priority Framework, the Inter-Agency Working Group has requested for the reclassification of Filipino seafarers to A4 (Frontline personnel in essential sectors, including uniformed personnel and those in working sectors identified by the IATF as essential during ECQ). This makes seafarers move at the top 4 priority groups to be vaccinated.
With the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in the country, the IATF has adopted early this year the prioritization framework and criteria of the national immunization rollout to allocate the first tranches of vaccines given its limited global supply.

Furthermore, the prioritization of seafarers in the vaccination is based on the following grounds: Filipino seafarers are declared key workers globally and locally; Filipino seafarers are considered mobile, who, as part of their jobs, frequently enter various ports across the world; and shipping companies prefer their workforce to be vaccinated to ensure that their operations will remain smooth, unhampered, and somehow immune to the severe effects of COVID-19.

To further determine the specific population to be prioritized, the Working Group classified seafarers into two. Top priority will be given to active seafarers or those with recorded sea service within the last three (3) years, while new seafarers or those with last recorded sea service beyond 2018 shall be ranked second.
Per MARINA and POEA data, there are a total of 549,000 active seafarers registered in their system, wherein around 497,000 are those deployed overseas and 51,000 are serving locally. Meanwhile, a total of 181,000 seafarers are without updated sea service within the last three (3) years.

In summary, there are 730,651 Filipino seafarers who are for consideration in the A4 category.

DFA release advisory for non-OFW Filipinos and Foreign Nationals going to the Philippines.

February 2, 2021
DFA release advisory for non-OFW Filipinos and Foreign Nationals going to the Philippines.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) just release its latest advisory regarding non-OFW Filipinos and Foreign Nationals going to the Philippines.

The advisory basically list all the steps that the traveler needs to take and also what to expect when visiting or returning to the Philippines.

The post list down all the steps and fees that needs to be paid, and also things that you need to expect from the whole process; from registering to the electronic case investigation from (E-CIF), to the booking of your stay in Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ)-accredited quarantine hotel, to the total number of days it will take before you are cleared and the fees that you need to pay.

In total, everything goes well, the procedure will take at least 21 days and the traveller will spend an approximately PHP4,000.00.

I’ve embedded the whole advisory below.

You can also go here for more details.

300 OFW Went Home for the First Repatriation Flight for 2021

January 4, 2021

Looks like it will be a Happy New Year to more than 300 OFW, as they take the first repatriation flight of Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for 2021.

The January 2021 repatriation flight are for the previously confirmed passenger for the December 23 2020 flight of DFA, which was cancelled after all internationals flights were suspended by the Saudi Governments.

The repatriation flight is the combined effort Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO).

Source: Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia

OFW: POLO releases the first issue of POLO News

December 5, 2020

From the official facebook page of Philippine Embassy POLO Riyadh and Central Region Office, announce the first issue of POLO News, a print and digital newsletter that features the latest POLO Projects, programs and services to support the OFW in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

You can download the digital copy by going to https://qrgo.page.link/pRXM1 or by scanning the QR code below;

MESSAGE FROM LABATT Nasser S. Mustafa for the pioneer issue of POLONEWS.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful; may peace and blessings be upon you all, and congratulations to the men and women behind this POLO Newsletter.

I join as you start this project of trying to make sure that our OFWs in particular and the Filipino community in general would be able to get abreast of the programs and services that we continue to do for them through this POLO Newsletter. As you embark on this task, may I wish that you will do it with dedication, professionalism and vigor because I am inspired to do the same to support you in the service of the OFWs, the Filipino community, our beloved country, and God, the Almighty.

Let this newsletter be one of our vehicles in serving, protecting, empowering, and educating our OFWs who are the modern day heroes. As such, let me assure you that we are here for you; we are here to help you; POLO and its staff are here to deliver the assistance and services you need with commitment, wholeheartedness and dedication.

Again, congratulations on the maiden issue of POLO Newsletter. Mabuhay!

Watch Disney’s Filipino-themed Christmas advert

November 9, 2020
Watch Disney’s Filipino-themed Christmas advert

We are proud to reveal Disney’s Xmas advert, a heart-warming story #FromOurFamilyToYours.

While times change and people grow, beloved family traditions make lifelong memories that cross generations and hold us together, especially over the festive period.
Lola and her granddaughter share a love of Disney and Christmas crafting, but over time their yearly ritual of making star lanterns begins to fade away. Looking back into Lola’s past and seeing her grandmother’s much-loved Mickey Mouse inspires her granddaughter to create a festive surprise that lights up her Christmas morning and renews their special bond. We hope you enjoy this special Christmas video, From Our Family To Yours.

PhilHealth premiums for OFW is only voluntary for the duration of the pandemic

June 11, 2020
PhilHealth premiums for OFW is only voluntary for the duration of the pandemic
FB page

Even though it was reported that President Duterte directs PhilHealth to make the payment of premiums voluntary for OFWs, it appears that this only true during the COVID-19 pandemic but R.A. 11223 a.k.a. Universal Health Care Act of 2019 will still be enforced once the country is in the clear.

PhilHealth did reiterates that the Universal Health Care Act of 2019 is “pending amendments of the Law, if any, by the Congress of the Republic of the Philippines.” So until the UHC Law is amended, PhilHealth will still enforced it.

PhilHealth made the announcement of PhilHealth Advisory No. 2020-037 on their official FB page

From ABS-CBN: Number of confirmed COVID-19 in the Philippines is now at 1,418

March 30, 2020

The number of confirmed COVID-19 in the Philippines is now at 1,418, this was confirmed by Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire. There have been 71 deaths and 42 have recovered from the virus, the Undersecretary added.

Globally, there have been a total of 571,678 of confirmed cases, 26,494 deaths with a 4.63% mortality rate. The United States now have the most number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 at 125,443, surpassing Italy and China. Italy still have the most deaths due to the virus at 10,779.

You can read ABS-CBN’s full report – COVID-19 cases sa Pilipinas nasa 1,418 na. You can also go to Google for their Coronavirus (COVID-19) map or DoH’s COVID-19 Case Tracker.