Updated Sunday Nov 16, 2012
Filipino workers hired for work in Palau must now be hired through an official, bonded agency according to the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration delaying arrival of new laborers. Workers who currently have contracts but are in the Philippines for medical or vacation are also having a hard time returning. The Palau labor office is aware of these issues but does not yet have all of the details of these changes.
Under new rules, there will be no more direct hire of Filipinos for work in Palau. All workers must be hired through an employment agency and must be bonded according to the POEA. The former Philippine Ambassador to Palau reportedly requested an exemption from this rule, but such exemption has not been approved.
Some believe this rule has come about because of the recent violence against Filipinos in Palau which including cases of murder, maiming, and sexual abuse, as well as random beatings; however, no facts have surfaced to support this belief.
Even a small delay could have serious economic impact to Palau. Currently, Filipinos constitute nearly a third of the population filling the majority of jobs in the private sector. Most cashiers, cooks, mechanics, A/C repair, construction workers, hotel staff, bar staff, farmers and domestic helpers are contract workers from the Philippines.
We will continue to follow this breaking story as details emerge.