Dubai: The new Philippine labour attaché aims to streamline and provide quality services to the estimated 400,000 Filipinos in Dubai and the northern emirates in the first six months of her posting in Dubai.
Labour Attache Ofelia Domingo, who recently replaced Delmer Cruz, arrived in Dubai on April 1 on a three-year tour of duty. This is her first overseas posting.
Domingo said she will redefine the roles and structure within the labour office to better serve the Filipino community in Dubai and the northern emirates. The labour office was criticised in the past for the serpentine queues and long waiting times in getting important documents and other services. Although services improved significantly d during Cruz’s term, Domingo said more can be done.
Key to this is ensuring her staff’s happiness and well-being first. Because the labour office is understaffed, they have to work double time to meet the workload. The current staff number at 18 will be down to 15 by next month, giving a staff-client ratio of 1:26,666 Filipinos. But Domingo is optimistic that the replacement staff will arrive soon.
“My credential as an ISO certified Lead Auditor will help me streamline the processes because I want my people to be happy with what they’re doing. This is important because if you have a happy workforce [it will translate to their service to the public],” Domingo, 59, a law and foreign service graduate, told reporters.
Armed with 37 years in government service, the multi-awarded labour attaché said she will improve current systems using available technology to ensure delivery of quality service. These include assisting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in labour-related cases, case management and repatriation, co-management of the centre for distressed Filipinos, reintegration preparedness programmes, and issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate, among others.
Asked what the latest update on the Filipino maid deployment is, Domingo said both the UAE and the Philippine governments are still in discussions. The Philippines stopped deploying maids to the UAE for almost two years now due to conflicting labour rules between the two governments.
“The issues are being ironed out but I can’t give concrete details as of now. Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunsad will reveal the latest update in May when he attends the Abu Dhabi Dialogue.”
Domingo said she has also lined up meetings with the human resource managers of various companies in Dubai and private recruitment and placement agencies and foreign placement agencies to discuss the latest trends and room for improvement concerning Filipinos in the sector.
Known as a good coach and mentor among her peers, Domingo said she aims to establish good relations with OFWs and all stakeholders. She plans, as part of her advocacy, to instil a savings culture among Filipinos and to educate them on where best to invest in the Philippines.
