Undocumented OFWs rejoice over regularization in Belgium
By Raquel Bernal-Crisostomo, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau | 07/31/2009 12:06 AM
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Undocumented Filipinos are still on cloud nine following the announcement last week of Belgium’s Prime Minister Van Rompuy that illegal migrants would have a chance for regularization before the year ends.
Mars Labrador, an undocumented worker for several years now admitted being happy that finally she and her friends can soon enjoy a normal life in the country, unfazed by the sight of roaming policemen.
“Iyong mga kasama ko na natatakot na lumabas dahil nga mga walang papel, mga illegal nga, ngayon wala na kaming pangamba. I hope tuloy-tuloy na ito para lahat kami maging legal na sa bansang ito,” Labrador said.
Another undocumented worker Vicky Detogato remains hopeful that everything will turn out favorable for all Filipinos.
“Kagaya ko na walang papel, at least natuwa sa bagong developments ngayon. Sana tuloy-tuloy na ito para sa mga kababayan natin,” she said.
She also thanked the government for the new developments.
Not yet clear
However, in a migrants’ forum initiated by the Filipino Chaplaincy, the Organization for Undocumented Workers (ORCA) made it clear that the government has not yet issued complete details of the regularization although it has announced the criteria.
“How this is going to happen is not very clear, the agreement was still very general. We don’t know what actual criteria are demanded or what actual procedures to follow, where to go to get all of these done,” said ORCA program officer Elke Gutierrez.
She was quick to add that definitely all the details shall be announced to the public before September 15.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Raymund Gaspar assured everyone that the Chaplaincy shall keep the Filipinos informed of any update.
“When the details of the regularization have been issued, then we will have another seminar like this so that everything will be cleared,” he said.
Application for regularization starts September 15 until December 15, 2009. Applicants need to show that they are well integrated in the community. Illegal migrants who have been in the country for a minimum of five years are reportedly eligible to apply.
Those who have been working in Belgium for at least two and a half years can apply for a residence permit. They have to produce a labor and a regional contract.
Language skills following a literacy course and having children in school shall count in favor of the applicant.
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