The Philippine Embassy in Poland has renewed its recommendation to suspend the deployment of Filipino truck drivers to Europe amid reports on exploitation of foreign workers in its transport sector.
Last year, Danish authorities rescued 22 Filipino truck drivers found living in “slum-like” conditions in container vans in Padborg, Denmark.
Philippine Foreign Affairs officials also said 40 other foreign truck drivers in Germany and Poland were living in squalid lodgings.
"In view of the issues concerning the working conditions of Filipinos who worked as trailer truck drivers in Europe, the embassy is maintaining its recommendation for the suspension of deployment of Filipinos for work in the road transport sector," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Thursday.
Filipino job seekers, the DFA said, should only deal with recruitment agencies who practice ethical recruitment and keep the welfare of Filipino workers in mind.
At the same time, the DFA reminded Filipinos seeking job opportunities in Poland to only transact with licensed recruitment agencies with approved job orders from the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency.
The DFA issued the reminder after the Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. reported about the thousands of careers in Poland that it said Filipinos can apply for.
"Filipinos should ensure that they have a valid working permit, a working visa and a written employment contract before leaving the Philippines," the DFA said.
Likewise, the department cautioned against recruitment agencies that charge excessive fees, noting that Poland is a 'no placement fee" destination.
"Poland usually provides foreigners coming from outside the European Union with temporary residence for up to three years depending on the length of their employment contract and work permit," the DFA said.
"Their work permit is only good for work with the employer indicated on the permit and to be mindful of their obligations to their employers."
Other News about Filipinos in Poland here
FAQS for Filipino Workers In Poland
Poland Job Orders from POEA
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