Photo from Pexels | Adrian Agawin
The following post does not create a lawyer-client relationship between Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices (or any of its lawyers) and the reader. It is still best for you to engage the services of a lawyer or you may directly contact and consult Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices to address your specific legal concerns, if there is any.
Also, the matters contained in the following were written in accordance with the law, rules, and jurisprudence prevailing at the time of writing and posting, and do not include any future developments on the subject matter under discussion.
AT A GLANCE:
The handbook for overseas Filipino workers shall be created and issued to every land-based and sea-based worker free of charge. It shall serve as a ready reference for migrant workers when they need to assert their rights and responsibilities. It shall also deal with key issues that they need to know in order to maintain decent employment conditions overseas. (Section 2, Republic Act No. 11227)
The Handbook for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) is a free resource provided to land-based and sea-based workers. It serves as a guide for OFWs to understand their rights, responsibilities, and key issues related to working abroad.
What’s in the Handbook?
The handbook covers the rights and responsibilities of OFWs, helping them understand what they are entitled to and what is expected of them while working overseas.
Objectives of the Handbook (Section 3, Handbook for OFWs Act of 2018)
Empowerment: The main goal is to empower OFWs by educating them about their rights and responsibilities, ensuring they have the knowledge to protect themselves while working abroad.
Education: It complements existing worker education programs by providing additional resources and information specifically tailored to the needs of OFWs.
Information on Destination Countries: The handbook provides basic information about the labor and living conditions in the countries where OFWs are deployed, helping them prepare for the challenges they may face.
Benefits and Drawbacks: OFWs learn about the advantages and disadvantages of working overseas, allowing them to make informed decisions about their employment options.
Reintegration Support: Lastly, the handbook offers guidance on reintegrating into Philippine society after returning from overseas work, helping OFWs transition back home smoothly.
The law says:
The objectives of creating a Handbook are as follows:
(a) To empower every overseas Filipino worker (OFW) by making them fully aware of their rights and responsibilities;
(b) To complement the worker education program of various agencies;
(c) To provide a basic information on the labor and living conditions in the country of their destination;
(d) To make the workers well aware of the benefits and drawbacks of working overseas; and
(e) To provide necessary information for their reintegration into the Philippine society.
Implementing Agencies (Section 5, Handbook for OFWs Act of 2018)
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) work together to implement the Act, ensuring that OFWs have access to the handbook and its resources.
Additionally, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) collaborate to support the implementation of the Act and provide comprehensive assistance to OFWs.
In summary, the Handbook for OFWs Act of 2018 aims to empower Filipino workers abroad by providing them with essential information and resources to navigate the challenges of overseas employment and ensure their rights are protected. Through collaboration between various government agencies, OFWs receive comprehensive support to make informed decisions about their work and successfully reintegrate into Philippine society upon their return.
Related Article/s:
Alburo Alburo and Associates Law Offices specializes in business law and labor law consulting. For inquiries regarding taxation and taxpayer’s remedies, you may reach us at info@alburolaw.com, or dial us at (02)7745-4391/0917-5772207.
All rights reserved.