Previous Story
POEA not sending entertainers to Korea
|
Posted on Oct 20 2006
The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency has clarified that the agency is not sending Filipino entertainers to Korea, according to a recent posting on the agency’s website.
POEA administrator Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz has denied a published report that the POEA is sending Filipino entertainers to Korea under the Employment Permit System because of the restrictions on the entry of overseas performing artists to Japan.
Baldoz confirmed that the South Korean government under EPS has assigned 10,000 slots for Filipino workers to work in their manufacturing, construction, agriculture/livestock, fisheries and services sectors in 2006 but not as entertainers.
She added that for its manufacturing industry, Korea allocated 9,100 slots; for fisheries sector, 500; construction, 150; agriculture, 200; and 50 for its services sector.
“But for now, Korea is hiring factory workers only,” said Baldoz.
She denied reports that more than half of Filipino performing artists in Japan are now in Korea, working in establishments near American military bases. Baldoz said that in February 2003, the Korean Ministry of Justice decided to stop the issuance of E-6 visas, or entertainer’s visa, for dancers and singers intending to work in bars and night clubs, especially those operating near the American military facilities in Korea.
She said the move was intended to significantly reduce and stop illegal trafficking of women into Korea for prostitution and for other illegal purposes.
“Only entertainers bound for major and deluxe hotels and qualified art troupes will be granted the E-6 visa,” said the POEA.
Baldoz said that Filipino singers who are holders of Artists Record Books and musicians with contracts duly verified by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Seoul and processed by the POEA would be among those who may be issued the visa.
