MERGED: Lifting of Travel Ban to Iraq

[high_heels]

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MANILA, Philippines – Iraq's ambassador called Tuesday on the Philippines to lift its travel ban to Iraq, saying Filipinos can benefit by taking part in his war-damaged country's reconstruction.

Ambassador Wadee Al-Batti was reacting to a recent Philippine government reiteration of a travel and workers' deployment ban to high-risk countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Lebanon, Jordan and Somalia.

He said peace and order has greatly improved in Iraq since the Philippines first imposed the ban in 2004, but that no country can guarantee against terrorist attacks.

There are now some 50 embassies in Baghdad and not all of them are located in the Green Zone, an indication of the better security situation there, Al-Batti said. He was referring to the well-guarded area that houses the U.S. Embassy, Iraqi government offices and the parliament.

"I see the ban as a hindrance which limits our potential ... and doesn't allow the relationship between Iraq and the Philippines to go to a new level," Al-Batti told reporters.

He said Iraq is now an open country offering many opportunities, including a demand for more than 3 million houses, thousands of schools and more than 100 hospitals.

The Philippines banned its citizens from working in Iraq in July 2004 after insurgents abducted and threatened to behead Filipino truck driver Angelo dela Cruz. He was released after then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo agreed to withdraw the Philippines' small military contingent in Iraq _ a decision strongly criticized by Washington and other coalition allies.

Some 4,000 Filipinos, mostly workers in U.S. bases, remain in Iraq after they were allowed last year by the Manila government to finish their contracts, Philippine special envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu told The Associated Press.

"The Philippines values opportunities for Filipino labor in overseas markets, and an interagency committee will take up the work opportunities opening up in Iraq," Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Eduardo Malaya said. Ensuring workers' security and welfare will be among the considerations taken, he added.




Iraq calls for lifting of Philippine travel ban - Pinoy Abroad - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

[high_heels]

For me lang gyud, before the government extends the travel ban sa Iraq they should visit Iraq first and observe the transformation. Ka daghan nato ug mga medical graduates nga walay ka sudlan ug trabaho ahh unya nag problema pa sila asa na ipang dasok (good examples are the nurses).

I doubt if ing ana ka gubot didto, hagbay na bayang gi bitay sa Sadam Hussein. Iraq is under a new government system and if dili ni nila i uplift sa atong government officials, that means the government is also taking away opportunities for us Filipinos!

[james_chaw]

For me lang gyud, before the government extends the travel ban sa Iraq they should visit Iraq first and observe the transformation. Ka daghan nato ug mga medical graduates nga walay ka sudlan ug trabaho ahh unya nag problema pa sila asa na ipang dasok (good examples are the nurses).

I doubt if ing ana ka gubot didto, hagbay na bayang gi bitay sa Sadam Hussein. Iraq is under a new government system and if dili ni nila i uplift sa atong government officials, that means the government is also taking away opportunities for us Filipinos!

While it's true that there is "some" progress in the Iraqi nation, we must be prudent in where we send our nation's personnel kay basin unyag mu.kalit lang ug.gubot nga atong embassy ngadto mag.lisud unyag rescue and recover ani nila. it's true that our govt. must expand our working citizenry or able to work citizenry to other countries but the question man gud first is naa bay need for such personnel? what are the working conditions like? salary compensation? living conditions? lifestyle changes to be made especially sa mga kababaehan nga mangadto?

[masakiton]

naa ko nakita documentary about OFW sa iraq (nag trabaho sa military base as cook)
pilion nalang daw niya mamatay sa bala kai sa mamatay sa gutom

[tonioyantao]

as long as iraq finds a way to make their country safer the ban would be lifted.
regardless if there is a ban or not. ang tao mangita man gyud ug paagi para mabuhi sya ug iyang pamilya.

[high_heels]

While it's true that there is "some" progress in the Iraqi nation, we must be prudent in where we send our nation's personnel kay basin unyag mu.kalit lang ug.gubot nga atong embassy ngadto mag.lisud unyag rescue and recover ani nila. it's true that our govt. must expand our working citizenry or able to work citizenry to other countries but the question man gud first is naa bay need for such personnel? what are the working conditions like? salary compensation? living conditions? lifestyle changes to be made especially sa mga kababaehan nga mangadto?

I also have the same questions, that is why to be fair to both parties (both government of Iraq and the Philippines). There is no harm if they would send a Philippine delegation to see for themselves kung unsa gyud ang status nila didto. I think the objective here is for both countries to "move on" to a more possible light and help eachother.

Iraq needs our assistance in building their country, which we Filipinos can help through our skilled workers. And at the same time Iraq has the money to help us Filipinos. It's a two way traffic. Right now it's more of our government to be open minded and explore the possibilities, not just immediately closing the door without even understanding everything.

[marielee]

For me lang gyud, before the government extends the travel ban sa Iraq they should visit Iraq first and observe the transformation. Ka daghan nato ug mga medical graduates nga walay ka sudlan ug trabaho ahh unya nag problema pa sila asa na ipang dasok (good examples are the nurses).

I doubt if an ka gubot didto, hagbay na bayang gi bitay sa Sadam Hussein. Iraq is under a new government system and if dili ni nila i uplift sa atong government officials, that means the government is also taking away opportunities for us Filipinos!

i agree with u. been years since nag start ang ban travel to iraq. sa giingon sa ambassador sa iraq, ni improve na jud cguro oi..kun ani man na ni improve na, i dont see any reason why dili e lift ang ban. makasabot manta sa reasons sa ban . but we have lots of unemployed filipino graduates. mau sad cguro if they'll think about this.

[pepponeskie]

akong masulti ani...as long as naay ban or wala, ang pilipino manglangyaw gyud para mangita ug trabaho...kahinumdom lang ko ni Angelo dela Cruz ani...

[high_heels]

ka daghan sa kwarta sa Iraq ah...mo daginot man gani ug sweldo ug 20k ang mga OFW's para naa lang ipa kaon sa ilang pamilya. Di lang unta mag binugo atong gobyerno oi, unsaon man uroy ni nila ang mga graduates diri sa Pilipinas?

[masakiton]

ka daghan sa kwarta sa Iraq ah...mo daginot man gani ug sweldo ug 20k ang mga OFW's para naa lang ipa kaon sa ilang pamilya. Di lang unta mag binugo atong gobyerno oi, unsaon man uroy ni nila ang mga graduates diri sa Pilipinas?

kahinomdom ko ani sir kadto nag apply2x pako mga agency sa cebu
ang ila offer kai 12k pesos - 15k pesos
pero pirti daghana applicant
naa uban nga lipay pag ka dawat