Syria Employment Limited to 3 Years for Foreigners

Long term employment prospects in the Middle Eastern country of Syria is practically nil as the country implemented a law that limits term of employment for foreign workers.

But while the law limits employment opportunities with the limited number of working years allowed, it also strengthens the protection of workers against abuse and ensures proper compensation and entitlements while working for the country. Under the law, the entry and license of all foreign workers into Syria must be done only through licensed employment agencies.

Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan, in a report to the DFA, said the new directive stipulates rules that employment agencies and employers must follow in order to avail of services of foreign workers.

Cuyugan said agencies applying for a license must secure all pertinent documents from the Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.

Agencies must also pay a certain amount, which will serve as a financial guarantee to pay for fines and/or to repatriate foreign workers in coordination with its Ministry of Interior and Immigration. Cuyugan added that agencies will be fined 100,000 Syrian pounds for every violation, which may double for every repeated violation, or if the agency fails to repatriate the foreign worker within 45 days upon the termination of the employment contract.

Local OFW support organization Blas F. Ople Policy Center said a number Filipino domestic helpers being trafficked into Syria end up being exploited by their employers because of their illegal and vulnerable status.

The Philippines established consular presence in Syria only in 2009. There are currently about 6,000 Filipinos in the country, mostly household maids.

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