Villar seeks protection for OFWs to be affected by new
EU immigration policy

Senate President Manny Villar today urged Malacañang to take immediate steps to help the over one million Filipino overseas workers who may be adversely affected by new immigration measures passed by the European Union (EU) against overstaying or illegal migrants.

"Government should extend every possible help to our OFWs, even the undocumented ones. I share the apprehension of OFW dependents on the adverse effect on our workers of the new European Union immigration rules allowing the detention of up to 18 months of undocumented immigrants," Villar, also the Nacionalista Party president said.

Earlier reports said some 94,000 irregular or undocumented Filipino workers in Europe may be affected once the EU enacts a new immigration rule. According to the Department of Foreign Affairs figures culled from reports of overseas posts, there are at least 189,023 Filipinos who are permanent residents in Europe as of June 2007, 135,493 are temporary residents, and 94,113 are undocumented.

"With one million OFWs in Europe, we must put in place the appropriate safety nets for those who face dislocation or deportation as a result of the new rules," Villar said. "Before this matter blows up on our faces and creates another national crisis, the various government agencies concerned should take concrete steps in anticipation of the problem. Let us not wait for the crisis to come before we take action."

Villar said he was particularly alarmed by the reports that women comprise the majority of OFWs in Europe, at least 80 percent in Italy, Spain, Greece, Germany, and France.

Villar filed in the Senate Proposed Resolution No. 542 urging the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources and Development and Foreign Relations to conduct an immediate inquiry on the impending massive deportation of undocumented Filipinos in Europe and Malaysia.

"The creation of a task force or a crisis management team that is dedicated to ensuring that Filipino citizens' right will not be violated in the course of the massive crackdown and deportation of undocumented workers," he said.

"A combined team of Filipino officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment and Congress must appeal and make necessary representations with the concerned government, present the plight of OFWs and negotiate the best options for the Filipinos," Villar added.

Villar forged a partnership with Migrante International in promoting the welfare of over eight million OFWs stations in various parts of the world. The agreement, signed by Villar and Migrante's Lian Santos, particularly provides for their joint undertaking for the protection of migrants' rights and against human trafficking and illegal recruitment, to aid in the repatriation and pursuit of justice for distressed overseas workers.

"Hundreds of our OFWs in different countries around the globe are in distress and need urgent assistance. They deserve help the way that they have braved the unfamiliar terrain and culture abroad for the welfare of their families and our economy," Villar said.