AFTER it discovered shabby housing establishments of recruitment and manning agencies, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) laid down guidelines for the accreditation of such facilities for recruited overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
In its Memorandum Circular No. 02-2025, the DMW said it will make sure that all accommodation and housing facilities will be up to standards for the benefit of OFW recruits.
“In line with the policy of the state to protect the rights and promote the welfare of OFWs and their families, the following shall govern the registration of accommodation houses/housing facilities of all licensed recruitment agencies and manning agencies for occupancy by their applicants,” said the DMW.
“The (Department) shall not approve the accommodation sought to be registered, or cancel the approval of accommodation, if the agency violated any of the requirements under this circular or the governing rules,” it added.
The Department said such facilities should provide the applicants with free basic needs, such as adequate food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and clean/potable water; beds with mattress and coverings, blankets, with less than 12 occupants per room; toilet facilities with exhaust fans and, enclosed shower area stocked with essential toiletries (soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo); individual lockers; and internet connection.
It added that such facilities must have amenities/supplies, such as space for worship; fire extinguishers and properly maintained fire exits; emergency evacuation plan and safety gears; basic medicines and first aid supplies; separate laundry and clothes hanging area; and an adequate number of fans per room to provide air circulation.
The DMW said the agencies must also provide the applicants with freedom of mobility, including the freedom to leave the accommodation, and the right to communicate with their families.
The agencies were also reminded not to withhold, nor shall it take without valid reason, any pertinent document belonging to the applicant occupying its accommodation facilities.
The Department said the accommodation must also be reasonably proximate to the registered business address of the agency or else free transportation must be provided.
The accommodation must be in a sanitary and generally safe location with nearby hospitals, places of worship, grocery stores, and face a public street or alley.
It said the establishment must also be equipped with adequate light and ventilation, as well as kitchen and dining areas.
“The agency shall ensure that the accommodation is always in habitable condition, and compliant with all the prevailing regulations,” said the DMW.
And in order to ensure compliance, the DMW said the agencies shall submit quarterly reports to the concerned DMW Regional Office (RO)-Migrant Workers Protection Division (MWPD) that must be duly attested by both the caretaker/house manager and the authorized signatory of the agency.
Similarly, the DMW said the RO-MWPD shall submit a list of compliant and non-compliant agencies in its quarterly reports for oversight and monitoring purposes.
Last March, the DMW said it is set to issue a firmer set of guidelines on the accommodation or housing facilities after finding some establishments, where OFWs are forced to occupy crammed sleeping quarters, have shabby comfort rooms, and have no fire exits, among others.
