THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has imposed additional requirements on foreign employers seeking to hire Filipino truck drivers in Europe.
“(This is) to further ensure the Filipino drivers’ better and safe working conditions,” POEA administrator Bernard Olalia said in a statement.
The additional requirements, based on Memorandum Circular No. 14 – 2020, include securing accident insurance coverage for the drivers and comprehensive vehicle insurance for the duration of the contract.
The POEA also said employers are now also obliged to secure and pay for the driver’s license, and provide allowance from the date of the drivers’ departure from the Philippines, while securing his license.
The new requirements also include provisions on the paid work time of the drivers such as all time spent driving, performing work-related duties, break, rest periods, and non-driving duties essential to the upkeep of the vehicle or operations of the establishment.
Lastly, the POEA said all Filipino drivers must be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment to ensure compliance with minimum health standards and quarantine protocols set by countries included in the itineraries.
Just last year, there have been reports of Filipino drivers living in “slum-like” conditions in several countries in Europe such as Germany, Poland, and Denmark.