OFW ‘reverse’ job fairs slated

With the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the Duterte administration in full swing, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) is planning to conduct so-called reverse job fairs in selected countries in the Middle East.

The move aims to entice as many Filipino migrant workers as possible and fill up the requirements of the government’s centerpiece infrastructure program.

To recall, Transportation Secretary Art Tugade earlier had said the “Build, Build, Build” program of the administration is expected to create an average of about one million jobs every year.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said they came up with the idea of reverse job fairs to encourage overseas Filipino workers, especially those in the construction field, to return and work here.

“We really need workers for these projects, so I’m thinking of conducting reverse job fairs in several destination countries,” Bello said.

The Labor chief believes the credentials and experiences of overseas workers suit the job requirements.

Among the countries where DoLE plans to conduct the reverse job fairs are Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

“We really want to hire as many as possible because the projects really need them,” he added.