PH Embassy in Jordan calls on recruitment agencies to protect Filipino Workers

AMMAN, 11 February 2022 — The Philippine Embassy in Amman, led by Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Akmad Atlah Sakkam, reminded the Association of Jordanian Recruitment Agencies (AJRA) to ensure that mechanisms are in place to protect and promote the rights of Filipino workers during the Embassy’s 1st Quarter Dialogue with the Association on 02 February 2022 at Bristol Hotel, Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

“You have a vital role to play in maintaining the friendship between the Philippines and Jordan by protecting our Filipino workers”, the Ambassador emphasized during the said Consultation.

The Ambassador instituted the quarterly dialogue to address the pressing concerns of OFWs in Jordan especially during this time of pandemic when economic difficulties make OFWs more vulnerable to underpayment and non-payment of salaries.

The Philippine Embassy, through its POLO and ATN unit, will work closely with the Association for the training of employers on labor laws and on the promotion of the rights and welfare of Filipino workers. In partnership with the Philippine Embassy, the Association will put in place a mechanism where erring employers are blacklisted.  The two parties also seek to streamline referral pathways to ensure that distressed OFWs receive prompt, responsive, and adequate assistance.

The quarterly dialogue was attended by the new officers of POLO headed by Labor Attaché Armi Evangel Peña who briefed the Association on Republic Act 11641 also known as “An Act Creating the Department of Migrant Workers”. LabAtt Peña emphasized the Philippines’ resolve to protect the welfare and interests of migrant workers and commitment to promote fair and ethical recruitment. She also reiterated that the rules surrounding the deployment of Filipino workers remain in place and reminded the Association to be guided by the POEA 2016 Rules for the Deployment of Land-based Workers.

Also in attendance during the meeting were Third Secretary and Vice Consul Angeli A. Payumo, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Sheila Marie G. Andales, Assistant Labor Attache (ALA) Jaybee Baginda, Welfare Officer Berna Del Castillo, and Embassy lawyers. AJRA President Mr. Lorans Mohammad Ahmad Abuzaid who also owns the Anas and Loranz Abu Zaid Company for Recruitment and Employment of Non-Jordanian Domestic Workers led the other six top officers of the Association. END

For more information, visit www.ammanpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philembassy-amman.net or https://www.facebook.com/ammanpe.