THE Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Amman, Jordan has temporarily suspended the processing of papers of newly-hired Filipino workers.
POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia said the suspension of verification of documents was recommended by Ambassador to Jordan Akmad Atlah Sakkam because the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic “poses health, safety, and labor risks to new workers to be deployed to the Kingdom.”
Verification of employment documents refers to the procedure being done by the labor attaché to ensure that all the employment rights, benefits, and welfare of the OFWs at the work site are duly protected, and that documentary requirements for overseas employment as required by the POEA are complied with.
Olalia said there are exemptions — those directly hired by employers from members of the Royale Hashemite Court, international organizations, and diplomatic corps, including high government officials with ministerial rank.
Olalia said those with employment contracts verified by POLO-Jordan and submitted to POEA for issuance of overseas employment certificate prior to March 15 are also exempted.
Workers need to submit their certified proof/copy of renewed or extended visas for the same worker/employer based on the verified employment contract; and certification from POLO-Jordan that the Jordan recruitment agencies concerned are not included in the list of suspended/erring agencies.
There are 26,000 to 28,000 Filipinos living and working in Jordan.
