Policy basis and governing security alerts
- The resolution is anchored on DFA recommendations dated June 11, 2014 to exempt certain skill categories of returning OFWs from the total deployment ban to Libya under POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 08, Series of 2014.
- The DFA recommendation requires employer guarantees of safety, security, and repatriation if conditions worsen into imminent danger to life and well-being.
- The resolution recognizes that POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 09, Series of 2014 was issued on June 13, 2014 to allow processing and deployment of certain skill categories of returning workers to Libya.
- The resolution recognizes that the DFA raised the security alert level in Libya to Alert Level 4 (Mandatory Repatriation) on July 18, 2014 due to continued deterioration of peace and order.
- The resolution acknowledges that under Alert Level 4, a total ban on processing and deployment of all workers applies, and the DOLE Quick Response Team is directed to coordinate with the DFA on immediate and safe repatriation.
- The resolution applies exceptions to the travel ban based on a DFA advisory for these categories only: (1) offshore workers in oil rig platforms not passing through mainland Libya and not spending vacation there, (2) Filipinos married to Libyans, and (3) workers of United Nations and other international organizations only if their agencies still maintain a presence in Libya.
Who may be processed and deployed
- The resolution allows the processing and deployment of the following categories of returning workers:
- (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 the agencies or organizations still maintain a presence in Libya.
- The resolution treats the allowed categories as exceptions to the general rule under the prevailing Alert Level 4 travel ban framework.
Mandatory safeguards for offshore oil rig workers
- For workers in Category (1) (offshore oil rig platform workers), the resolution requires specific documents for the processing of their Overseas Employment Certificates.
- A POLO-verified employer contingency plan for evacuation and repatriation of the workers must be submitted for processing.
- A POLO-verified employer undertaking guaranteeing the safety of the workers during their stay in Libya must be submitted for processing.
- The undertaking must also provide readiness for immediate repatriation as may be warranted.
- The undertaking must clearly state the exact location of the work site of the workers.
Effectivity and compliance timing
- The resolution orders immediate compliance with its requirements.
- The resolution is signed and adopted for implementation by the POEA Governing Board officers and members, with signature blocks showing the positions of Secretary of Labor and Employment and Chairperson of the POEA Governing Board, POEA Administrator and Vice-Chair of the Governing Board, and Governing Board Members.
Governing board signatures and adoption details
- The resolution is signed by Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, Secretary of Labor and Employment and Chairperson of the POEA Governing Board.
- The resolution is signed by Hans Leo J. Cacdac, POEA Administrator and Vice-Chair of the Governing Board.
- The resolution is signed by Estrelita S. Hizon as Member.
- The resolution is signed by Alexander E. Asuncion as Member.
- The resolution is signed by Felix M. Oca as Member.
- The resolution is signed by Milagros Isabel A. Cristobal as Member.
- The resolution is done in the City of Manila, Philippines, on July 22, 2014.