QuestionsQuestions (POEA GOVERNING BOARD Resolution NO. 17, S. 2014)
It establishes procedures/safeguards to allow the processing and deployment of selected categories of returning workers to Libya despite a security-driven travel/deployment ban, while ensuring the safety, security, and repatriation of exempted workers.
It references POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 08, s. 2014 (total deployment ban to Libya under Alert Level 3), POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 09, s. 2014 (earlier allowance for certain skill categories of returning workers), and DFA recommendations/advisories that change the security alert level.
The DFA (via the Secretary of Foreign Affairs) recommended exempting certain returning OFW categories from the deployment ban, and later raised the security alert level (from Alert Level 3 to Alert Level 4), which imposed a total processing/deployment ban except for limited exemptions.
A total ban on the processing and deployment of all workers is imposed for Libya, while DOLE’s Quick Response Team coordinates with the DFA for immediate and safe repatriation of OFWs.
The resolution allows: (1) those working offshore in oil rig platforms, provided they will not pass through mainland Libya nor spend their vacation there; (2) Filipinos married to Libyan nationals; and (3) those working for international organizations only if such agencies/organizations still maintain a presence in Libya.
They must not pass through mainland Libya and must not spend vacation there. This condition reduces exposure to unstable mainland areas and aligns with the safety objective under a high-risk alert.
It exempts them from the travel ban, allowing processing/deployment under the resolution, implying they fall within the limited DFA-identified exemptions under Alert Level 4.
Only if the agencies/organizations still maintain a presence in Libya.
It notes that the United Nations already relocated all its personnel in Libya to Tunisia, implying UN-related workers may not qualify under the “presence in Libya” requirement.
POLO-verified employer documents are required for processing their Overseas Employment Certificates, particularly a contingency plan for evacuation/repatriation and an undertaking guaranteeing safety and readiness for immediate repatriation.
POLO refers to the Philippine Overseas Labor Office. 'POLO-verified' means POLO must verify the employer’s submitted documents/commitments before processing the Overseas Employment Certificates.
(1) POLO-verified employer contingency plan for evacuation and repatriation of the workers; and (2) POLO-verified employer undertaking guaranteeing workers’ safety during their stay in Libya and readiness for immediate repatriation if warranted.
It must state the exact location of the work site of the workers.
It signals that the rules and documentation requirements are to be implemented promptly upon issuance, without delay.
The resolution is signed by the Chairperson of the POEA Governing Board (Secretary of Labor and Employment), the POEA Administrator (Vice-Chair), and other Governing Board members—showing formal adoption by the POEA Governing Board as a policy issuance.