DFA ends ban on Europe-bound "au pairs"

By Susan G. De Leon

Wednesday 22nd of February 2012

QUEZON CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has lifted the 13-year deployment ban to Filipinos who want to work in European countries as “au pairs.”

Au pair is a term in French which means “on par” or “equal to.” “Au pair” is living on an equal basis in a reciprocal, caring relationship with the host family and the children.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, in a news release, said that the ban on Europe bound au pairs has been lifted after the issuance of the new guidelines that are meant to facilitate the departure of au pairs and provide them with safety nets and protection.

The new Guidelines on the Departure of Au pairs to Europe was drafted and agreed upon by the ad-hoc Technical Working Group, composed of the DFA, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Education, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).

Under the guidelines, procedures for the departure of au pairs have been simplified and documentary requirements down to the minimum.

A strict monitoring system shall also be put in place in Philippine Embassies and Consulates General in Europe for the protection of the au pairs. The DFA will act as the lead agency in formulating policies on the au pair scheme.

Departing au pairs need only to submit the following to the Bureau of Immigration at the port of departure: a contract of engagement duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General in the area of destination, valid passport with au pair visa and a CFO certificate and sticker.

Au pairs need not go through the DOLE or POEA procedures anymore, as they are not considered overseas Filipino workers.

Filipinos who wish to work as au pairs should be 18 to 30 years of age, unmarried and without any children, placed under a cultural exchange agreement with the host family for a maximum stay of two years for the purpose of immersion in cultural and language training.

While employed, the au pair should enroll and attend a school to learn the language of the host country. He or she will live with the host family and will be treated equally like a member of the family. (DFA/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)