07 March 2005 – The Philippine Embassy in Jordan reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that it continues to be relentless in its effort to resolve problems affecting OFWs in Jordan and is providing them the assistance needed while under the care of the Embassy. “The repatriation of the OFW wards is the primary concern of the Embassy, and is working towards the speedy resolution of their cases,” Ambassador Ruperto M. Dizon said.

Ambassador Dizon clarified that the 38 OFWs under their custody while awaiting resolution of their cases, ‘are being adequately provided their basic necessities utilizing the DFA’s assistance to nationals funds, contrary to allegations of OFWs ‘languishing’ while under the Embassy’s custody.”  Ambassador Dizon added that “they are being given meals three times a day, basic personal hygiene supplies, and appropriate medical care as the Embassy officers continue to address the resolution of their cases in coordination with host government authorities.” “Individual issues concerning their case with their employer and/or local Jordanian agent would have to be properly addressed and resolved prior to their repatriation,’ he added.

Ambassador Dizon also pointed out that the decision of the majority of the OFW wards not to continue their employment in Jordan without due reason, even with a new employer, makes the resolution of their cases more difficult as this could be considered as a personal breach of their contractual obligation for a two-year employment in Jordan.  In such a case, the employer and/or local agent would demand for a settlement of the expenses they have incurred in deploying the OFW in Jordan.

The Ambassador belied allegations that Embassy officers are forcibly returning the OFW wards to their Jordanian agents.   He clarified that in case of deadlock in negotiations, the OFW wards are advised to continue their employment with a new employer through their agent so as not to unnecessarily incur overstay penalties or lose leverage on their claims from their previous employer as the case may be.

Ambassador Dizon welcomed the decision of the Department of Labor and Employment to finally lift the ban on the deployment of domestic workers to Jordan. With the lifting of the ban and the establishment of the Philippine Labor Office, the Embassy now engages more actively with the new Jordanian labor regulations on foreign domestic workers and could now establish the appropriate mechanisms to manage OFW deployment. END