元の英文 New labor markets for nurses affected by US decision sought
By EDMER F. PANESA
Worried about the possible impact on the Philippines of the United States government’s decision to put on hold work permits for Filipino and other foreign nurses beginning January 1, House leaders yesterday called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to ask the US to reconsider such decision. (以下、補足文)
At the same time, they cited the need for the DFA and DoLE to vigorously explore and negotiate the opening of new labor markets for Filipino nurses and other Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) whose hopes of working abroad are dimmed by restrictive foreign policies.
Representatives Roseller Barinaga (NPC, Zamboanga del Norte), chairman of the House committee on labor and employment, and Lorna Silverio (Lakas, Bulacan), chairwoman of the committee on inter-parliamentary relations and service, said the decision of the US State Department to stop processing work permits of foreign nurses was abrupt and would have serious repercussions on the country, which has long been a major source of nurses for hospitals in the US.
"It’s a major blow to the country, which is known for producing skilled nurses. It’s so sudden. We should have been given enough time to deal with it, considering that many of our nurses have pending applications," Barinaga said.
Barinaga said the DoLE and DFA should immediately make representation with US government officials to express the country’s deep concern and objection to its policy.
"We hope the US government reconsiders its policy and exempts Filipino nurses from the restriction since our local nurses are highly qualified to work in US hospitals. The US government should put premium on the training and track record of our nurses."
The Mindanao solon said even those enrolled in nursing courses will be affected by the US regulation.
Citing statistics from the Philippine Nurses Association, he said enrollment in nursing courses had doubled from 20,000 in 1999 to more than 40,000 last year. (つづく)
Silverio said the recent development underscores the need for the Arroyo government to explore and negotiate alternative labor markets for Filipino nurses and other OFWs.
"These labor markets should offer fair compensation and humane treatment to our nurses. We should not settle for anything less than what hospitals in the US and Canada are paying Filipino nurses," Silverio said.
Besides Middle East countries, Silverio noted that other countries in dire need of nurses are Norway, Japan, and Austria.
Based on records, Silverio said a Filipino nurse working in a US hospital earns an average salary of $3,000 to $4,000 a month, compared to the $120 a month salary given to nurses working in Philippine provinces.
The US State Department announced that starting January 1, the US government will not process applications filed after January 2002, which means the usual 60-day wait for approval could now drag on for years. (おわり)