MANILA, Philippines – The Syrian government has released a directive regulating the employment of foreign workers in the country.

Philippine Ambassador to Syria Wilfredo Cuyugan said the implementation of Decision No. 27 or the Regulation of Private Employment Agency for Non Syrian [Domestic Helper], Conditions and Rules of their Employments in the Territories of the Syrian Arab Republic, regularizes the procedures and stipulates specific rules that both employment agencies and employers must follow to hire foreign workers.

"It contains specific provisions regarding the rights of the foreign worker, which includes the adequate salary and proper method of payment, social security coverage, suitable working conditions, annual leaves, clothing, food, medicine, standard working contracts and other entitlements and benefits," Cuyugan said.

Under Decision No. 27, the entry and license of all foreign workers into Syria must be done only through licensed employment agencies. Foreign workers are allowed to work in the country for no more than 3 years.

Agencies applying for a license must secure documents with the Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MOSAL). They must also pay a certain amount which will be used as financial guarantee for fines and or to repatriate foreign workers.

Employment agencies are responsible in providing a worker a safe working environment, settling the residency fee, and repatriation of pregnant women, mentally unstable and sick workers, including those with contagious diseases.

Those found violating the Decision will be sanctioned or slapped with penalties and fines. They will pay a fine of 100,000 Syrian pounds for every violation, which may double every time there is a repetition of the violation, or if the agency fails to repatriate the foreign worker within 45 days upon the termination of the employment contract.