ASEAN countries still require work visas

ON the heels of the illegal recruitment of Filipinos to Laos, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday reminded the public that employment opportunities in other Southeast Asian nations still require work visas.

In a media forum last Saturday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the visa-free policy among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) does not include those for employment purposes.

“For ASEAN members, the visa-free arrangement only pertains to tourists,” said Cacdac.

“For job applicants, if you are seeking employment opportunities in an ASEAN member, you’ll still need work visas,” he added.

Under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Visa Exemption, citizens of other ASEAN Member States holding valid national passports are exempted from visa requirements for up to 14 days from the date of entry.

This, the agreement provides, is as long as the stay shall not be used for purposes other than a visit.

Cacdac said he was issuing the reminder since illegal recruiters usually offer jobs in Southeast Asian nations with a claim that applicants do not need work visas.

“Such as in the case of Laos, which is an ASEAN member, the applicants are being told that they don’t need to secure the work visas,” said Cacdac.

The work visas, he said, are aside from the employment contract that needs to be cleared by the DMW.

“The employment contracts and other documentation must receive clearance from the DMW,” said Cacdac.

At least 129 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have sought government assistance following the crackdown on illegal companies located within the so-called Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) in Bokeo Province, Laos.

The DMW earlier said the OFWs are viewed as victims of illegal recruitment as the GTSEZ is associated with illicit activities, including trafficking of foreigners promised employment opportunities.

Cacdac has said that 75 OFWs are currently up for repatriation from Laos.