BI to implement new guidelines on au pairs

BI to implement new guidelines on au pairs departure to Europe

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) Sunday ordered its immigration officers in the airports and seaports to facilitate the unhampered exit of au pairs bound for Europe after the government lifted the ban on their departure.

Commissioner Ricardo David Jr., issued the memorandum to all its officers nationwide to implement the new guidelines that will take effect on Monday (March 19).

David said an au pair is an unmarried person between 18 and 30 years of age who, under a cultural exchange arrangement, was picked to stay with a European host family to enable them to learn the culture and language of the European community.

Au pairs shall live with the host family on par (au pair) or on an equal basis with members of the host family and shall be given pocket money and share in child care, light household chores and responsibilities as stipulated in the placement contract between the au pair and the host family.

In his memorandum, David said the implementation of the new guidelines was deferred to March 19 to make allowances for those who are still unaware of the lifting of the policy.

He said that starting March 19, departing au pairs need only to present simplified documentary requirements to the immigration counter.

Such documents include a contract of engagement or letter of undertaking executed by the au pair and host family duly-authenticated by the Philippine embassy or consulate in the European country.

The au pair shall also present a valid passport with valid au pair visa to the country of destination and a certificate from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, indicating that they have attended a familiarization seminar about the European country conducted by the commission.

David stressed that au pairs are no longer required to get exit permits from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration as they are not considered overseas Filipino workers.

Earlier, Vice-President Jejomar Binay announced the lifting of the ban on au pairs to Europe. A ban had been imposed due to isolated cases of abuse of the "adoption" scheme by unscrupulous elements.

Binay said the new guidelines were drafted by a technical working group composed of representatives from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Labor and Employment, and Education; Philippine Overseas Employment Administration; Commission on Filipino Overseas; and the BI. — B.L. Vergara /LBG, GMA News