Photo credit: www.holland.com

August 14, 2012
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
2 Comments

Conditions of Aupair and Host family in the Netherlands

Photo credit: www.holland.com

Holland or  The Netherland,  is one of the popular destination of Filipino aupairs. But before you dream of drowning in the fields of tulips and windmill you need to read this post to know if you qualify.

If you wish to come to the Netherlands as an au pair for longer than 3 months, you must meet the following conditions and hold the following documents:

  • a valid passport
  • health insurance with cover in the Netherlands
  • you must not be married
  • you must not have a duty of care or be responsible for the actual care of your own family members (children or parents, for instance)
  • you must not constitute a risk to public order
  • you must undergo an examination for tuberculosis in the Netherlands
  • you must be over 18 but no older than 25 years of age
  • you must not have previously stayed in the Netherlands on a residence permit
  • you must not have previously worked for the same family abroad
  • you will only carry out light domestic work to assist the host family
  • you will work a maximum of 8 hours per day and a maximum of 30 hours per week; you will have 2 days off per week
  • your host family will support you during your stay in the Netherlands

you must sign a declaration of awareness

Your host family must meet the following conditions:

  • the family must consist of a minimum of 2 persons
  • they must support you during your stay in the Netherlands
  • the family must have sufficient income to support themselves and you
  • the responsible person in the host family must sign a sponsor declaration
  • the responsible person in the host family must sign a declaration of awareness
  • the family must draw up a daily schedule for you.

 

 

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August 14, 2012
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
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Invitation to Induction of Babaylan Aupair Hub and Acquintance party

I would like to invite Filipino naupairs near Copenhagen area to attend the Formal Introduction of Babaylan Denmark Au Pair Hub which I will the over all Coordinator but it will consist of aupairs.

Here is the official Invitation from Babaylan Denmark

Babaylan-Denmark, the Philippine Women’s Network, is a non-profit NGO which, since it’s founding in 1997, has consistently worked on several fronts: political, cultural, educational, social (including labour rights) to improve the situation of Filipinas in Danish society. For the past 10 years we have been actively working to help uplift the situation of au pairs in Denmark through activities like fora, dialogues, seminars, orientations, socially useful events, sports tournaments, and cultural immersion programs. We also introduced modules on sexual and reproductive rights as well as financial literacy.

In consonance with Filipino officials abroad, particularly the Nordic ambassadors and consuls, we campaigned for policy changes in the deployment of au pairs. This resulted in the Philippine Government finally lifting the ban on Filipino citizens leaving to become au pairs in Denmark. As of March 2011, au pair deployment has been officially endorsed as a cultural exchange programme under the Commission of Filipinos Overseas, a unit under the Office of the President, which actively discourages the use of agencies and payment of exorbitant fees to recruiters.

With the increasing number of au pairs in Denmark we think that we can better work towards their empowerment by establishing a chapter consisting of au pairs and assisted by Babaylan Denmark’s officers. We are happy to invite you to the

Babaylan Aupair Hub Induction and Acquintance Party
Date : 18 August 2012
Time – Kl. 15.00- Registration, Mix and Mingle
Venue – Copenhagen Conference Center
Nørre Farimagsgade 45, 1364 Kbh K

The event is the official introduction of Babaylan Au Pair Hub (a registered volunteer organization, CVR-nr 34415471) which aims to engage and encourage Filipino au pairs towards maximizing personal and professional development opportunities; and to advocate the protection of their rights during their stay in Denmark.

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July 14, 2012
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
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Invitation Volleyball Tournament and Family Picnic in Bellevue Beach

I’m inviting aupairs near Copenhagen to come and join the Babaylan Denmark’s Summer Sportfest. It’s free entrance  just bring your own food and drinks and  meet new friends or cheer your favorite team. If you are are interested to play please contact the Babaylan Officers  thru facebook or  register online . This is the 3rd year that the Babaylan Denmark is holding this Sportsfest and Family picnic.

The 3rd Babaylan Denmark Summer Sports Tournament and Family Picnic is scheduled on

Date:August 4, 2012

Place:  Bellevue Strand, Strandvejen 340, 2930 Klampenborg.

Time: 10:00 .19:00

Registration: 10:00

Tournament begins at 11.00 sharp

Babaylan Denmark Summer Sportfest 2012 Invitation.

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March 28, 2012
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
2 Comments

Public Holidays in Denmark 2012

In Denmark the recognized national holidays are based on the important events of Jesus Christ. These national holidays are non working holidays except those who are working in the airports, hospitals, police etc and most of the shops are closed. But as an aupair in Denmark there is no written rules that they also don’t have to work. This one of the flaw of the danish aupair rules that it is not it stated in the immigration service website therefore the aupair are at the mercy of their host families. Now that the relationship of host family and the aupair is that “employee and employeer relationship” is it just right to assume that they should also enjoy these public holidays?. In my experience in counselling aupairs I notice that most Host families still required their aupairs to work during these days  because  it was not agreed before hand or some thought that it is ok with aupair or others just don’t care. So I   suggest to the aupair to look at the National Holidays especially next week is the Easter holiday which last 5 days (inluding Saturday ) to talk to your host if you can also have free during these holidays.

National Holidays 2012 in Denmark
Date Day Holiday (English) Helligdag (Danish)
January 1, 2012  Sunday New Year Nyt År
April 05, 2012 Thursday Maundy Thursday Skærtorsdag
April 06, 2012 Friday Good Friday Langtfredag
April 08, 2012 Sunday Easter Påskedag
April 09, 2012 MOnday 2nd Easter 2.Påskedag
May 04, 2012 Friday National Prayer Day Store Bededag
May 17, 2012 Thursday Ascension Day Kristi Himmelfartsdag
May 27, 2012 Sunday Whit Sunday Pinsedag
May 28, 2012 Monday Whit Monday 2. Pinsedag
December 24, 2012 Monday Christmas Eve juleaften
December 25, 2012 Tuesday Christmas Day juledag
December 26, 2012 Wednesday 2nd Christmas Day 2. juledag
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March 26, 2012
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
5 Comments

Plan Mobile passporting in CPH on April-May 2012

The Plan for April/May 2012
Consular Outreach Program
in Copenhagen will be considered if:

- Minimum number of 150 participants would sign up.
- Sign up at the Philippine Consulate Office by email.
- or Send NAME & Contact Info to Babaylan FB Inbox.
- or email us at babaylandk@babaylan.dk
- You will be informed once the plan is confirmed.
- Check websites: www.filippinsk-konsulat.dk
www.babaylan.dk

or register online

online 

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March 1, 2012
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
0 comments

Country Familiarization Seminar for aupairs by CFO

Today March 1, 2012 the CFO (Commission on Filipino Overseas) to conduct Country Familiarization Seminar for Europe-bound Au Pairs which is more simplier and cheaper. Registration fee is only 400 php. This is a good news beside it’s cheaper and simplier the Philippine goverment also acknowledge that the aupair is indeed a cultural and educational program and not as a domestic helper/assistant position as it i popularly known in the country. They don’t need to go to the PDOS (Pre -departure Orientation Seminar) by POEA (Phil.Overseas Employment Administration) because aupair is not considered as labor anymore.

CFO acts as a monitoring agency for aupairs leaving the country thus making sure that they will fall into human traffickers as they need to validated their Au pair contract by the Philippine Embassy located on the host country.

Once the aupair visa is approved the aupair need to undergo the CFS (Country Familiarizaton Seminar conducted at CFO every Wednesday 1-5pm. on
First come first serve basis.

REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION
The following are required for registration of an Au Pair:
1. Original and photocopy of valid passport
2. Original and photocopy of visa;
3. One (1) 2×2 or passport-size photograph;
4. One (1) valid identification card with photograph;
5. Original and photocopy of contract of engagement or letter of
undertaking to engage duly authenticated/notarized by Philippine
Embassy/Consulate in the European country of destination;
6. Duly completed registration form;
7. Payment of PhP400.00 registration fee; and
8. Attendance in the Country Familiarization Seminar (CFS)

CFO to conduct Country Familiarization Seminar for Europe-bound Au Pairs

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in its letter dated 20 February 2012 announced the lifting of the ban on au pairs bound for Europe. Following the lifting of the ban, the new guidelines on the departure of au pairs for Europe agreed upon by the ad hoc Technical Working Group (TWG) will be implemented. The TWG also agreed that au pairs need not go to the POEA procedure since they are not considered overseas Filipino workers (OFW) but participants in a cultural and educational exchange program with the country they are bound to.

Instead, Au Pairs shall be required to register at and undergo the pre-departure program of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), which will essentially be a Country Familiarization Seminar (CFS). The CFS is intended to prepare the au pairs for their participation in the program overseas. Effective March 1, 2012, the CFS will be conducted every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the main office of the CFO in Manila.

The CFS would be vital for the au pair participants to equip them with adequate information on topics such as settlement concerns, values, cultural and social realities in the host countries, health and safety issues, airport and travel procedures and support networks. The program will also serve as monitoring scheme for au pairs leaving the country.

“On a par” or “equal to” in French, Au Pair scheme denotes living on an equal basis in a mutual, caring relationship with the host family and the children. Au Pair is “intended to become a member of the family in the host country for cultural exchange to improve their linguistic and cultural knowledge which they can obtain better in the country where they are received.” Thus, an Au Pair will learn a new language and culture by living with a family in exchange for light household chores.

(For more information, please click here or contact Ivy Miravalles, OIC of the Migrant Integration and Education Division (MIED), Lucille Ronda and Manolo Tibe of CFO, (632)552-4700, Extension 712 to 713)

Source and original article can be found at CFO Website

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February 22, 2012
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
1 Comment

Philippines ban for Aupairs bound for Europe been lifted

Good news to all who aspires to be an aupair in European countries, the Philippine Goverment has lifted the aupair ban. Here’s the announcement from Department of Foreign affairs from their homepage http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/newsroom/dfa-releases/4807-ban-on-au-pairs-bound-for-europe-lifted.

22 February 2012 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario announced today that the ban on au pairs bound for all European countries has been lifted after the issuance of the new Guidelines on the Departure of Au Pairs to Europe.

The new Guidelines are meant to facilitate the departure of the au pairs and at the same time to provide them safety nets and protection. It was drafted and agreed upon by the ad-hoc Technical Working Group, composed of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Education (DepEd), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).

Au pair is a term used to describe those between 18 and 30 years of age, unmarried and without any children, placed under a cultural exchange arrangement with a European host family for a maximum stay of two years, unless otherwise allowed by host countries.

Under the au pair scheme, the au pair is placed in an immersion program in cultural and language learning in the specific European country of destination. S/he shall live with the host family at par (au pair) or on an equal basis with the immediate members of the host family, shall be given pocket money, share in child care, light household chores and responsibilities previously agreed upon in an au pair placement contract between the au pair and the host family.

Under the Guidelines, procedures for the departure of au pairs have been simplified and documentary requirements down to the minimum.

A strict monitoring system shall also be put in place in Philippine Embassies and Consulates General in Europe for the protection of the au pairs. The DFA will act as the lead agency in formulating policies on the au pair scheme.

Departing au pairs need only to submit the following to the Bureau of Immigration at the port of departure: a contract of engagement duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy or Consulate General in the area of destination, valid passport with au pair visa, and a CFO certificate/sticker.

Au pairs need not go through the DOLE or POEA procedures anymore, as they are not considered overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

The ban was imposed in 1998 due to isolated cases of abuse of the system by some unscrupulous elements. In 2010, the ban was lifted for Switzerland, Norway and Denmark.

Secretary del Rosario advised prospective au pairs not to go to third party go-betweens since the procedures have been simplified at the least cost for the Filipino au pairs.

At the same time, he warned unscrupulous agencies not to exploit the scheme for their nefarious activities, as any infraction will be dealt with severely by the laws of the host countries and those of the Philippines. END

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February 9, 2012
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
0 comments

A Glimpse of Filipino Culture! An afternoon of sharing Filipino Culture and Traditions

Babaylan-Denmark is inviting Filipino Au Pairs, Host Families and Friends to an afternoon of sharing Filipino culture, values and traditions, “A Glimpse of Filipino Culture!”

Through the years, Babaylan has been conducting Cross Cultural Orientations for Filipino Au Pairs to provide them with important information about their legal rights, and better understanding of the Danish Culture and Society.

“A Glimpse of Filipino Culture”, is, however, an event  that will focus more on the Host Families and Friends of Au Pairs.  This event will serve as an opportunity to introduce some of our Filipino traditions and values to host families, and help them understand and appreciate better the presence of an “additional” member of the family.

March 3: A Glimpse of Filipino CultureClick on photo to enlarge

A Glimpse of Filipino Culture!
An afternoon of sharing Filipino culture, values & traditions with Host Families, Au Pairs & Friends.

(Food, booth, songs, dances, games & cultural shows)
March 3, 2012
Kl. 12 – 17

Munkegårdsskolen
Vangedevej 178, 2820 Dyssegård, Gentofte

Please call or SMS to confirm participation.
Tel. no.+45 5034 8835  or email: babaylandk@babaylan.dk/>

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September 16, 2011
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
12 Comments

How to process Overseas Employment Certificate

What is the OEC?

The exit clearance come in the form of an E-Receipt (electronic receipt) or an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) certifying to the regularity of a workers recruitment and documentation and ensures exemption from travel tax and airport terminal fee.  It is presented at the POEA Labor Assistance Center (LAC) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) counter at the airports, prior to departure.The E-Receipt or OEC serves as the worker’s guarantee that he/she is covered by government protection and benefits.

When the Aupair Visa is approved you need to go to POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) at POEA Bldg., Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City that’s the building located in front of Robinsons Ortigas.

Step 1. First of all you need to prepare the document be sure to have the originals and photocopies with you when you go to the POEA office. The following documents are needed:
  1. Au pair contract- signed by the au pair and the head of the host family duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway or the Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Copenhagen Denmark. (Contract with red ribbon )
  2. Copy of passport- the information page with your pictures/info and the most important  the page where the stamped valid au pair visa.
  3. 2×2 ID picture

Upon submission of the 2 documents above they will check if you have the right documents then you will be referred or endorsed to accredited DOH (Department of Health) medical clinics and OWWA PDOS seminar.

Pre-departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

- PDOS Room at the 2nd Floor POEA Bldg.
This is a seminar conducted for departing Filipino Overseas Workers which includes aupairs to address their concerns in their host countries

  • Travel regulations;
  • Immigration procedures;
  • Cultural differences;
  • Settlement concerns;
  • Employment and social security concerns; and
  • Rights and obligations of Filipino migrants
      Here are the steps when attending the PDOS seminar:

    • Present the PDOS endorsement form and register at the designated desk outside the PDOS Room at the 2nd Floor
    • Attend the seminar on the designated schedule.
    • Get the Certificate of Attendance from the PDOS Officer
    2: Medical Examination

    You need to find the cheapest medical clinics prices ranges from 1,500 php and above. When you have any dental problems you need to have it done outside not in the medical clinic because they charge higher than dental clinics. Ask around or like the Filipina Aupair Facebook Page and ask the experiences of aupairs who underwent the medical examinations maybe they can refer cheap clinics.I think the examination will take around 1 day if you don’t have any health problems and the clinic will issue “FIT FOR WORK” certificate.

Note: Since the PDOS is scheduled once or twice a week I supposed that medical exam can be done while waiting for your PDOS schedule.

STEP 4:

Payment at the POEA
Now you have to go back to the POEA to make payments just be sure to come as early as possible. Please be sure to have all your requirements with you.

  1. PDOS Certificate
  2. Medical Certificate of “Fit for Work”
  3. Payments:
    • POEA processing fee: 100 US $ or PHL Peso equivalent
    • OWWA membership contribution : 25 US$ PHL Peso equivalent
    • PHILHEALTH : 900 PHP
      Total Amount : more or less 6,350.00 depending on the current foreign exchange rate.

Now after reviewing your documents they will issue the OEC certificate.

Overseas Employment Certificate

Overseas Employment Certificate Photo Credit: POEA website

What is Overseas Employment Certificate?
During your departure you need to show the OEC so that you will be exempted in paying the At the Airport:

The process will take around 10 days including the Medical Exam considering that you don’t have any health problems. To avoid delay prepare your documents before going to the POEA and come early.

Note:You will present your Passport and OEC at Airport upon your departure at the airport which grant your exemption from travel tax and airport terminal fee

      Info Source:

    • www.poea.gov.ph/default.htm
    • www.philembassy.no

NOTE: i’M CLOSING THE COMMENT ON THIS POST. AS OF MARCH 3, 2012  The  CFO is the one conducting the Country Familiarization Seminar  chech the details here 

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June 5, 2011
by Ana Lindenhann-admin
1 Comment

Changes in the Aupair Stay in Denmark

Good news to all au pairs in Denmark effective 20th of May 2011 the maximum period of residence permit for au pairs is extended from 18 months to 24 months. However it is not extend able beyond 24 months.

Au pairs who were granted less than 24 months can apply for extension before the end of their residence permit. Remember its not automatic you have to submit a new application form which you download Application form for Extension of Aupair Permit Fill it up, state that you are applying for extension, submit to the Immigration Service or in the police station if you live outside the Metro Copenhagen area and do’nt forget that starting January 1 , 2011 there is a processing fee for the application for residence permit .You can stay with the same Host Family while the application is on process.

Submit your application of extension not later than 2 months before your permit to stay expires or you risk to that it will be rejected and be sent back to your country if you are staying illegally and be given an entry ban to Denmark for a certain period of time.

For further detail visit the Immigration Service website Extension of Residence Permit
Processing Fee
Extension for au pairs and interns
(Applications for extension of a residence permit under the Danish Aliens Act, section 9c(1))
DKK 1,650 (€ 223). I assume that the host family will shoulder the processesing fee.

Magandang balita sa mga aupairs na nasa Denmark

Simula ng ika-20 ng Mayo 2011 pwede na kayong mag apply ng extension ng inyong kontrata bilang aupair sa inyong kasalukuyang Host Family. Ito ay para sa mga au pair na may residensya na naaprubahan ng 18 buwan o 1 1/2 taon. Kailangang magsumite ng panibagong aplikasyon na kailangang pirmahan ng Host family at ng au pair. Pareho pa rin ang mga kailangang sundin ng aupair at ng Host family para maaprubahan ang aplikasyon. Kailangan lang na  ang mga insurance na kinuha ng pamilya sa inyo ay hindi pa paso dahil kalimitan naman ay  isang taon ang bisa  pero kung hindi naman ay hingin ninyo na ikuha kayo ng panibago para na rin sa kasiguraduhan ninyo at ng pamilya kung anuman ang mangyari sa inyo. Ang pagkakaiba nga lang ay kailangang magbayad ng ng 1,650 dkk pag nagsumite ng aplikasyon.

Tiyakin lang na ang pasaporte ng aplikante ay hindi pa exprired dahil duon nila ibabase ang haba ng permiso na ibibigay nila. Importante din na isumite ang aplikasyon 2 buwan bago ang orihinal na permiso ay mawalan ng bisa dahil pwede nilang hindi tanggapin kung ang visa mo ay paso na at pwede ka pang ipapulis at pauwiin sa bansa kung ikaw ang nasa Denmark ng illegal.

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