DOLE Reminder: Do not Go to Syria

The secretary of Labor, Rosalinda Baldoz reported that illegal overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continue to arrive in Syria even if there is an existing deployment ban and mandatory repatriation.

The DFA raised the crisis alert level to Syria from 3 to 4 which calls for mandatory repatriation. The Labor Secretary discourages OFWs from going to Syria despite the ban.

Recruitment of workers for Syria is illegal today because they can only hold a tourist visa. Baldoz informed that the salary of household workers in Syria is only USD125 and it is not worth the dangers they are risking by going to Syria.

The secretary encourages OFWs to stay/return to the Philippines as the government has livelihood and entrepreneurship programs that can help them start small businesses.