World | Philippines
Department warns maids against working illegally in Iran
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued an advisory warning Filipinos against applying for jobs and entering Iran as household workers.
- By Gilbert Felongco, Correspondent
- Published: 23:04 July 4, 2009
Manila: The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has issued an advisory warning Filipinos against applying for jobs and entering Iran as household workers.
According to the DFA, it has been noticed that Filipinas applying for jobs as maids have been trying to evade ongoing restrictions by using various Middle East countries as an entry point to get into Iran.
"The DFA wishes to inform the public that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not accept foreign household service workers from any country," the department said.
The DFA said that the advisory had been issued in the light of reports received from the Philippine Embassy in Tehran over a number of Filipinas who are now stranded and facing cases of illegal employment in Iran.
"Filipinos are being victimised by Iranian employers or unscrupulous recruiting agents promising employment in Iran as foreign household service workers".
According to the DFA, the victims enter Iran through other Gulf countries, using tourist visas.
The victims "believed their work permits would be processed upon their arrival in Iran," the advisory said. The DFA said the victims usually end up working illegally since the Iranian government does not allow foreign domestic workers.
Foreign nationals who work illegally in Iran will be fined $30 (Dh110) for each day of overstay in the country.
According to the DFA, there are presently 1,300 Filipinos in Iran, mostly married to Iranians while the rest are doctors, teachers and engineers.
In a related development, a lawmaker is seeking a congressional inquiry over reports that 50 overseas Filipino workers (OFW) have fallen victim to alleged "contract substitution and malpractice" in Libya.
Share this article
News Editor's choice
-
Philippine massacre probe focuses on Arroyo ally
Arroyo vows justice for the victims and declares a national day of mourning
-
Italian PM gets 'Rockstar of the Year' title
Magazine hails Berlusconi's lifestyle
-
What drives Africa's new kind of refugees?
Warming-driven factors have led many in the continent to flee their homes
