2017

• Gulf countries cut ties with Qatar
• DOLE to help OFWs claim backpays, get loan faster
• Direct hiring of OFWs allowed again as DOLE lifts suspension
• Passports with 10-year validity to be twice as costly, says DFA
• OFW Bank will have Ph3 billion authorized capital
• OFW remittances hit record $2.91 B in March
• DOLE to open ‘OFW Bank’ by September
• DOLE eyes limiting number of skilled workers sent abroad to address local shortage
• TESDA to launch training program for OFWs
• OFWs’ terminal fee exemption to start this weekend