PHL on brink of deployment ban to Kuwait as maid dies THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Monday said it is closely monitoring the investigation in the death of another Filipino household service worker (HSW) in Kuwait, as labor revived calls for a partial deployment ban on the tiny oil-rich kingdom. Philippines sets ‘partial’ deployment ban to Kuwait The Philippine government imposed a partial deployment ban to Kuwait following the recent death of another overseas Filipino worker. Prepare air, naval assets for MidEast evacuations, AFP ordered In the wake of rising tension between the United States and Iran,…

Group wants jail time for refusal to give workers’ 13th-month pay The country’s largest labor group wants to put in jail and slap a fine on employers who will not give employees their 13th-month pay, a benefit that is required by law. PH to scale down deployment of OFWs to Saudi Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Monday said they were set to scale down “starting next year” the deployment of new hires to Saudi Arabia due to the Gulf state’s continued failure to address the violations committed against Filipino migrant workers, who to date have claims amounting to at…

BIR scored for lower tax take from Pogos THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reported to the House Committee on Ways and Means that it has managed to collect P1.79 billion from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) in January to September. However, House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda said the amount is “a far cry” from the agency’s target of collecting P2 billion a month in withholding taxes from Pogo workers. OFWs in HK opt to stay despite violent demonstrations Philippine Consul General Raly Tejada said on Wednesday that Filipino migrant workers in Hong Kong have no…

Landmark labour reforms signal end of kafala system in Qatar Qatar has announced sweeping reforms to its labour market, with a view to ending the kafala system and marking a momentous step forward in upholding the rights of migrant workers

Qatar gov’t opens visa center in Philippines Processing of Qatar visa applications will be free for overseas Filipino workers. The Qatar Visa Center will also serve as a place for Filipinos to review and sign employment contracts. BIR shuts down POGO service provider THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has shut down a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) service provider after failing to register with the tax agency. Recruiters cited for deploying minors THE DEPARTMENT of Labor and Employment (DoLE) on Wednesday said it had revoked the licenses of two recruitment agencies for deploying two minors overseas. LGH International Services…

Palace: PH to work with China in addressing crimes involving POGOs Philippines and China will continue to cooperate to combat crimes surrounding Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) that involve Chinese nationals. DOLE to use creative approach in championing occupational safety health with young workers DOLE said it is pushing for interactive and youth-friendly approach of engaging young workers in advocating work safety and health culture. US union seeking joint action with PHL BPO workers A US UNION called for improved workers’ rights and benefits in the Philippine Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, saying that keeping Philippine compensation low affects work…