POEA mandates agencies to assist OFWs affected by COVID-19

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has mandated all licensed recruitment and manning agencies to closely monitor and assist Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and seafarers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This directive, issued through Memorandum Circular No. 08, Series of 2020, stems from the rapid global spread of the coronavirus.

Agencies are required to report the status and condition of their deployed Filipino workers and coordinate with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office for necessary assistance.

Furthermore, recruitment and manning agencies must provide support to newly hired OFWs and joining crew members who are stranded in Metro Manila due to canceled flights or deferred crew changes resulting from the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

The assistance should include, but not be limited to, temporary accommodation, food, and transportation back to their provinces, in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

Agencies are also instructed to report these incidents to the Welfare and Employment Office using the POEA's specified reporting format.

Failure to comply with this issuance will be considered a violation of POEA's reportorial requirements and may lead to administrative sanctions.