During the recent budget deliberations of the Justice Department for 2024, OFW party-list group Representative Marissa Magsino raised concerns regarding the off-loading of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by the Bureau of Immigration.
Magsino revealed that in 2022, a total of 32,404 Filipino passengers were off-loaded, yet only 472 of these were confirmed as victims of human trafficking. This significant discrepancy has sparked concerns among various sectors, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the current departure screening guidelines.
The representative urged that there should be reimbursement for travel expenses and damages incurred due to unwarranted off-loading. Magsino has noted proposals suggesting that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) should be responsible for covering these expenses and damages.
“The reason behind the proposal is to remind immigration officers to exercise their authority with due diligence, and not arbitrarily, for it will also hurt them ultimately,” Magsino explained. She is encouraging the BI to make a solemn commitment to using its authority fairly and carefully, particularly in the cases of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Magsino emphasized the importance of a thorough review of the departure guidelines and prioritizing the enhancement of information dissemination and education. She posed a fundamental question regarding the balance between individual constitutional rights and national security concerns, questioning why the current review seems to overlook this delicate balance.
The representative concluded by stating that unless there is a fair and cautious exercise of authority by the Bureau of Immigration, she, along with her counterparts in the Senate, will actively pursue the realization of the proposed measures for reimbursement.