GOVPH

PHL Embassy Repatriates 20 OFWS from Russia

Five OFWs were at the airport with Mr. Christian Baggas, ATN Officer of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow before their flight to the Philippines on June 1.

MOSCOW, 28 June 2017 – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow facilitated the repatriation of 20 Filipinos this June – the highest monthly figure so far.

The increase in the number of repatriates is due to the inability of OFWs to obtain visas, thus forcing them to return to the Philippines rather than stay in Russia without the required documents where they may be at risk of facing heavy penalties.

The Embassy assisted the OFWs in undergoing deportation proceedings in order to obtain expulsion orders which will serve as their exit visas. The affected OFWs were accommodated at the Embassy’s Assistance-to-Nationals Shelter, where they were provided with food and supplies, while the process was ongoing. Of the 20 OFWs, 2 have been apprehended by authorities while the others decided to seek the Embassy’s assistance. 

“We understand that no OFW wants to go home abruptly, especially through deportation. The fact that our nationals came to the Embassy for assistance in this regard means that they were really left with no choice”, said Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta. He added, “We thank them for their trust in the Embassy and their willingness to comply with proper procedure.”

There is currently no work visa category for household service workers in Russia. Filipinos in these occupations obtain their visas for large fees from so-called “visa agencies” that misrepresent them as highly-qualified professionals in management positions. This makes OFWs vulnerable to arrests, detention and fines.

Lately, many Russia-based Filipinos are no longer able to obtain such work visas.

“We observed that the recruitment of Filipinos by unauthorized entities - especially from Hong Kong and other third countries - led to a situation where the number of work visas available for Filipinos, even the ones that misrepresent their actual work and employers, is no longer enough”, said Vice Consul Jeffrey A. Valdez.

He added, “In the first place, working with such visas that are obtained in exchange for money is already irregular and does not comply with Russian and Philippine rules. What makes things worse is that Filipinos are being recruited using tourist, commercial (business) and even student visas that do not allow a foreign national to work in Russia.”  

The Embassy estimates that there are between 5,000 and 10,000 Filipinos in Russia, majority are women who work as nannies and cleaners.

“While there is a niche demand for Filipino household workers, we need to find a long-term solution that clearly defines their legal status for their own protection. The continuous entry of Filipinos in violation of immigration rules makes that task even more challenging”, Ambassador Sorreta said.

“We work closely with the DFA’s Office for Migrant Workers Affairs and enjoy the full support of Secretary Cayetano. We are also working closely with relevant Russian and Philippine authorities, including our other Embassies and Consulates in countries where illegal recruitment occurs,” he added.

For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph. END

Facebook post from an OFW that has been repatriated with the assistance of the Embassy.