News Release 18 January 2013

Korea reduces labor quota for the Philippines

The Philippines may eventually lose a favored destination of Filipino workers if the number of OFWs illegally staying in Korea continues to increase, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration warned yesterday.

Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the Korean Ministry of Employment and Labor (MOEL) has decided to reduce the number of newcomers that may be allowed to work in Korea this year to 4,200 from 5,200 in 2012. For 2013, only 7,900 names of OFWs would be included in the roster, a marked decrease from 9,800 names in 2012, Cacdac added. However, Cacdac said the POEA is not disputing the decision of Korea to slash the quota on Filipino workers. We have to abide with our contract with them. The memorandum of understanding between the government of Korea and the Philippines provides that the MOEL may take necessary measures such as reducing the number of jobseekers in the roster or suspending participation in the EPS if the number of Filipino workers absenting without leave or staying illegally in Korea exceeds the average for all sending countries." In the registration for the first computer based Test for Proficiency in Korean (Topik), at the OSHC in Quezon City, Cacdac thanked the EPS workers for observing Korean immigration laws by not running away from their jobs and voluntarily leaving Korea after finishing their contract. You make us proud in contrast to those who turn illegal, unmindful of the government's forewarning and advice to return upon the expiration of their contract, Cacdac said. He also urged them to help preserve the positive image of the Filipino EPS workers to continue to enjoy a good share of the demand for foreign workers in Korea and not ruin the good chances of other Filipinos desiring to get jobs under the EPS. Let us reduce the number of Filipino irregular workers in Korea so we can have a higher quota next year, Cacdac added. The Philippines has deployed some 30,000 workers to Korea since 2004, mostly in its manufacturing sector. /END