Manila, Philippines – WITH at least 10 percent of our population living and working overseas, is it time to create a Department for Migrant Workers? Senator Manny Villar, a staunch OFW advocate, believes it is and is pushing for legislation to do just that. According to him, the huge size of the OFW population merits the creation of a singular agency that would address their needs in a more holistic and seamless manner.

Right now, a Filipino working abroad has to contend with several agencies before he or she leaves the country, and or whenever he or she runs into trouble overseas. Before leaving, an OFW must apply with a licensed recruitment agency, defined simply as one that is accredited with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). The foreign employer and/or the agency that represents his interest in the destination country, must have the job order and employment contract of the applicant concerned verified and approved by the Philippine Embassy through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office headed by a labor attaché.

Read more: A Dep’t For Migrant Workers