A statement from the Philippine Consulate General yesterday said that the consulate is taking “careful note” of the government’s decision to proceed with the Filipino Domestic Helpers Entry Pilot Scheme’s third phase, but insisted that the development has not addressed important requirements.
The statement pointed out that “the vital requirements” in the “long-established Philippine regulations covering the deployment of Filipino workers for overseas employment” discussed in a recent meeting between the consulate and Macau’s concerned offices were not addressed.
The statement noted that this includes a standard employment contract verified by the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO) in Macau that states the following terms:
“Minimum salary of equivalent to US$1,200 [a month] for a professionally-trained and government-certified caregiver suited to the job requirements stated in the Pilot Scheme; compulsory insurance coverage; provision of 2-way airfare; other attendant travel costs such as the cost of the NATs [nucleic acid tests] and quarantine in Macau to be arranged and paid for by the employer; other standard requirements/details”.
The statement emphasised that failure to abide by these minimum requirements “shall prohibit a prospective Filipino overseas worker from leaving the country” based on current Philippine regulations.
The statement said that the consulate “remains ready to pursue further discussions” with the concerned local authorities.
