GOVPH

Embassy, Filipino Community Pledge to Fight Illegal Recruitment to Russia During “Kapihan Sa Pasuguan”

From left: Ambassador Carlos D. Sorreta and Vice Consul Jeffrey A. Valdez discuss developments in Philippines-Russia relations to OFWs at the Philippine Embassy in Moscow during a “KapihansaPasuguan” on 29 October 2017, including illegal recruitment of Filipinos. Photo credit: Cherry Narvaez.

02 November 2017 MOSCOW – The Philippine Embassy in Moscow held a “Kapihan sa Pasuguan” on Sunday, October 29. Kapihan is an informal dialogue between the Embassy and the Filipino Community in Russia about current developments in Philippines-Russia bilateral relations and the situation of OFWs in the country.

One of the main topics discussed was the need to stop the illegal recruitment of Filipino household service workers (HSW) to Russia. Russia currently has no work visa category for foreigners engaged in domestic work except for citizens of former Soviet countries. This leaves the estimated 5,000 Filipinos in Russia without legal status. The continuing entry of Filipino HSWs, many of whom have commercial (business) visas that do not allow them to work in any way, makes the situation more difficult.

“Kailangan po nating pigilan ang patuloy na illegal recruitment ng mg Pilipino papuntang Russia para po mabigyan ng daan ang usapan para maging legal ang mga OFW dito,” Ambassador Carlos Sorreta said during the talk.

Majority of OFWs recruited to Russia come from Hong Kong and other third countries, allowing them to bypass Philippine regulations. None of the so-called “agencies” are accredited by the Philippine or Russian governments to perform such functions nor do they provide guarantees regarding the safety and welfare of OFWs. As a result, Filipinos in the country are highly vulnerable to arrest, detention and deportation.

“Pinag tibay po ng Embassy ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa ating Consulado at POLO sa Hong Kong. Ang anumang impormasyon na makatutulong sa pagpigil sa illegal recruitment ay ikagagalak po naming tanggapin,” said Vice Consul Jeffrey A. Valdez. He added, “May mga kaso na rin po na umusad at may mga lumabas na po na warrant of arrest dahil sa patuloy na pakikipagtulungan ng ating Filcom.”

The event was streamed live over Facebook and received over 4,500 views from all over the world including different parts of Russia, Hong Kong, Philippines and other countries where OFWs are illegally recruited. END

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

A member of the Filipino Community asks a question during the “Kapihan sa Pasuguan” held at the Philippine Embassy in Moscow on 29 October 2017. Photo credit: Cherry Narvaez.