Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA GOVERNING BOARD Resolution NO. 07, SERIES OF 2010)
The resolution concerns the lifting of the ban on the deployment of Filipino au pairs to Denmark and classifying au pairs as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The ban was imposed in 1997 by the Department of Foreign Affairs due to reports of exploitation of Filipino au pairs.
Reported incidents of exploitation such as unfair compensation, excessive working hours, discrimination, and sexual abuse.
Switzerland and Norway had the ban lifted in March and June 2010 respectively.
The countries must guarantee protection for Filipino au pairs and comply with conditions prescribed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
Denmark requires compulsory insurance for repatriation of au pairs by the host family in case of death, serious injury, or illness as a condition for the grant of a resident permit.
The POEA and DOLE are tasked with supervising the recruitment and deployment of the au pairs.
Compliance is effective 15 days from the publication of the implementing guidelines.
Au pairs are classified as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The resolution was signed by Marianito D. Roque (Secretary of Labor and Employment and Chairman of the Governing Board), Jennifer Jardin-Manalili (Vice-Chairman), Leonardo B. De Ocampo (Member), and Guillerma T. Gabor (Member).