TO minimize the risk of Covid-19 infection among its offices, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has implemented a “no appointment, no entry” policy for its visitors.
In his Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 21, series of 2020, POEA administrator Bernard P. Olalia said only those, who made use of the POEA Online Appointment System (POAS) on the day before they go to any POEA office for their transactions.
“The resulting slip [from using POAS] serves as proof of permission for entry, subject to compliance to minimum health safety protocols,” Olalia said.
The policy will apply to all individuals visiting POEA offices except for the following: Balik Manggagawa (BM) overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and/or those using the BM Online Appointment System; OFWs/individuals using the Records Online Appointment System; employees/officials of government agencies, private corporations who are participating in the One-Stop Shop Center for OFWs (OSSCO); employees/officials of POEA.
It will also exempt liaison officers of recruitment agencies, who will only submit/deposit documents on prescribed drip boxes.
“Otherwise, ingress into the Blas F. Ople Building [POEA main office] shall require an appointment slip.” Olalia said.
He explained they implemented the measure to minimize face-to-face transactions in their offices.
“To the greatest extent possible, all routine/regular/ordinary transactions should be conducted visiting the agency’s [POEA] online system,” Olalia said.
People, including POEA personnel and officials, who will be allowed entry in POEA office premises will be required “to declare their current/present health condition and previous exposures/travels for a minimum period of 14 days or more.”
Those, who will refuse to make the said declaration will not be allowed entry in POEA offices as stipulated by POEA MC No. 20, series of 2020.
As for those, who will falsify, or give inaccurate health declaration, Olalia said, will be penalized under Republic Act 11332, series of 2018.
Reprinted from: BUSINESS MIRROR