The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration or POEA says that they are now limiting the categories of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who will he allowed to work in Libya.
The government said that the ongoing civil war in the African state prompted the move.
POEA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia on Tuesday issued Memorandum Circular (MC) 13, Series of 2019, which clarified the provision of the previous circular MC 10.
MC 13 prohibits OFWs who have been away for several years but still have existing employment contracts from returning to Libya.
“This will ensure only BM [balik manggagawa] with live or continuing contracts will be allowed to return to Libya,” Olalia said to Business Mirror.
The POEA previously allowed the deployment to Libya of all returning OFWs who are employed by companies with existing contracts.
The new order also said that qualified OFWS will not be allowed to be deployed or assigned within Tripoli where there’s unrest.
Recruitment agencies with OFWs in Libya should also submit reports to the POEA.
Previous practice only requires recruiters to report incidents if there’s issue affecting the OFW’s safety and welfare.
