China closed to foreign domestic helpers

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration reiterates its warning to applicants for overseas employment to be cautious of recruiters who promise jobs in China especially for domestic helpers and teachers.

Administrator Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said employment of domestic helpers, including nannies and caregivers, is closed to foreigners.

Baldoz said her office received reports that several Filipinos went to China to work as domestic helpers as promised by their recruiters, which in reality is not allowed by the Chinese government.

Baldoz said most of the victims carried Chinese business “F” visas, whose holders cannot use to work in China.

According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Public Security Bureau, China has not relaxed its immigration policy with regard to unskilled labor, which includes domestic helpers. Employment of domestic helpers is limited only to Chinese nationals.

Baldoz also warned teachers regarding dubious employment opportunities in China supposedly for English language teaching positions especially those found in the internet. Some Filipino teachers were able to work in China but most of them were eventually deported because they were not given work visas by the Chinese government.

Lifting of Deployment Ban on Hold

DOLE Secretary Arturo D. Brion decided to "hold further action on Department Order No. 86-07 in light of expressed concerns on the security/peace and order situation in Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and Nigeria. Under this situation, the complete ban on Iraq, Lebanon and Nigeria remains.

While we previously allowed the deployment of new hires and returning workers to international organizations in Afghanistan, the Department of Foreign Affairs will not issue any 'no objection' certificate for Afghanistan; hence there is also an effective complete ban."