(Philippine Embassy in Korea last November10,2006 )

I. STATISTICS OF FILIPINO OFWs in Korea as of June 30,2006
A. Documented (with legal visas) 36,000 (72%)
B. Undocumented (illegal) 14,000
Total 50,000

5 Countries with the highest number of OFWs in S. Korea
1. China 2. Bangladesh 3. Philippines 4. Vietnam 5. Thailand

II. PROGRAM OF IMMIGRATION FOR VOLUNTARY
LEAVERS (Features) * Until December 31,2006 only

• After 1 year can re-enter Korea
• Waives fines and other penalties
• Requires registration with the Immigration Office (Incheon) during exit
  

III. INTEGRATION OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINEE SYSTEM(ITS)
INTO THE EPS (EMPLOYMENT PERMIT SYSTEM)

• Those ITS already in Korea shall continue under ITS but status of Sojourn shall be changed to EPS after 1 year.
• On site Management offices operations in Korea shall be established
• On site Management responsibility shall be turned over to the Embassies of sending countries in Korea
• There are 18 sending countries under ITS program to date
• KSFMB shall be out of the program
• POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) has informed the home office & POEA about this development
  

IV. RENEGOTIATED AGREEMENT ON OFW DEPLOYMENT UNDER THE EPS

• The agreement provides the framework for the deployment of
  OFW to Korea
• The MOU (Memorandum of Agreement) was signed last October
  20,2006 by Hon. Secretary of Labor Arturo D. Brion & Korea
  Labor Minister Lee Sang Soo
• The Agreement is the outcome of negotiations for better terms &
  conditions for our OFWs that started in April 2006.
• .Revised MOU corrected the one-sided nature of the First MOU
  by reflecting reciprocal concessions of both parties
• Identified the respective commitment, roles & responsibilities of
  both sending & receiving countries
• Identified the duties & obligations of both the workers & the
  employers complying with the terms of the MOU
• Included the option of both countries not just Korea to suspend or
  terminate the MOU for valid cause
• Provided greater transparency in the whole selection, recruitment
  & management process.

V. CONTINGENCY PLAN

• Embassy's plan for the safety & security of all OFWs in Korea in
  case of emergency
• A set of fast & well-coordinated evacuation that require full
  support & cooperation of all OFWs to ensure their own safety
• Directs OFWs in every area to assemble in pre-determined
  Centers known as Convergence areas.