Libya, a country in North Africa is another destination for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Statistics from the Philippine Embassy in Libya showed that there is an estimate of 7,913 Filipinos working there in 2006. Filipino workers are mostly in the construction and oil industry and medical field. Some are employed as hospitality workers in hotels.

Fast Facts:

Official Title: Great Socialist Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

Capital: Tripoli

Population: 5,900,754 note: includes 166,510 non-nationals (July 2006 est.)

Climate: Mediterranean along coast; dry, extreme desert interior

Religions: Sunni Muslim 97%

Languages: Arabic, Italian, English, all are widely understood in the major cities

Currency: Libyan dinar (LYD), Libyan dinars per US dollar - 1.3084 (2005)

Government: Jamahiriya (a state of the masses) in theory, governed by the populace through local councils; in fact, a military dictatorship

Chief of State: Col. Muammar Abu Minyar al-QADHAFI (since 1 September 1969)

Philippine Ambassador to Libya: Bayani Mangibin

Delay in salary and poor accommodations are some of the common problems encountered by OFWS in Libya especially the medical workers. To address the problem, the Embassy patiently lobbied the issue and the efforts resulted to improved labor law in Libya.

Many oil and construction companies in Libya are located in Tripoli, Benghazi, and Brega. The following are some of the companies that employ Filipino workers:

Government hospitals on the other hand are located in the regions of Tripoli, Zawia, Benghazi, and Beida regions. The following are hospitals that employ Filipino workers:

Source: DFA Office of Middle East & African Affairs, July 2006

Reminders:

Libya is a Muslim country so respect to the Islamic teachings and customs must be observed at all times.

Men and women should dress conservatively (long pants for men and long dresses for women).

Avoid taking part in any religious or political discussions.

In giving or receiving anything, use your right hand as it is considered rude to accept anything with the left hand.