BAGUIO CITY — An agreement has been sealed between this city and Taebaek City to allow the employment of Filipino seasonal workers to rural agricultural areas in the South Korean city.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed last March 4 between Baguio Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong and Taebaek Mayor Lee Sang Ho, spelled out the responsibilities and roles of both parties for the 90-day work arrangement for Filipinos in the agricultural area of Taebaek.
“Neither of both parties nor employers shall charge seasonal workers any kind of fees for services other than airfare and administrative expenses,” a part of the MoU read. It also stated that Taebaek City shall take responsibility for all relevant procedures and documents necessary for seasonal Filipino workers from Baguio City to enter South Korea.
For its part, Baguio City shall assist the workers in meeting the requirements set forth by Taebaek City as well as provide briefings on how to apply for visa before departure including the disadvantages in illegal stay, among others.
“In the event of unauthorized departure, efforts will be made to return to the country, such as requesting the family to voluntarily persuade them to return home and dispatching local government officials to support their return home,” the MoU states.
The MoU will be valid for two years from the date of signing and “automatically extends every year if there is no objection from both parties even after the contract period.” — Artemio A. Dumlao
