After extensive discussions and negotiations with the government of Norway and various agencies in the Philippines, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and Employment have announced the lifting of the ban on the deployment of au pairs bound for Norway. The order will take effect immediately. Norway is the only other country in Europe (the other is Switzerland) where the ban has been lifted.

Both agencies expressed satisfaction that the conditions prevailing in Norway warrant sufficient safety nets to promote and protect the rights and welfare of the au pairs in this country. The Norwegian government has also exercised flexibility and accommodation of the Philippine government’s requirements to provide safety nets to provide health insurance for au pairs as well as cover their repatriation in case of death or when they are no longer able to fulfil their contracts due to terminal illness and other similar reasons. According to the Norwegian authorities, the au pair contract has already been amended to reflect such provisions and will be effective in June 2010.

The POEA will be announcing the appropriate guidelines in implementing the order. Au pair contracts will now have to be submitted to the Philippine Embassy in Oslo for authentication. The contract will then have to be submitted to the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA) to obtain the necessary permit and for the applicants to undergo pre-departure orientation seminars to prepare them for their new life in Norway. The au pair will, of course, have to obtain the requisite visa from the Norwegian Embassy in Manila, The contract, the passport with the requisite visa and the POEA permit will be presented to the Bureau of Immigration upon departure.

The Embassy and the POEA have also developed a DVD to be used in the pre-departure orientation of future au pairs to acquaint them with their new life in Norway.

The Philippine Embassy reiterates its warning to au pairs not to give any amount to any party or middlemen to facilitate their departure. Any attempt to obtain money from au pairs, outside the official fees duly acknowledged with official receipts, should be reported immediately to the Philippine Embassy or the Department of Labor and Employment for appropriate action.

The Embassy is also in the final stages of negotiations with Denmark so that the ban could also be lifted on au pairs bound for this country. The Minister of Refugee, Immigration and Integration Affairs, Birthe Røhn Hornbech has indicated her positive response to the proposals of the Philippine Embassy on the matter.

With the lifting of the ban , the two countries have now aligned their otherwise divergent policies on the matter, and should, hopefully reduce or eliminate the factors leading to the exploitation of the system. Au pairs will now be given an opportunity to learn about Norway and in turn be able to help their host families.

This lifting ban doesn’t mean that the aupair problems will stop but will surely will increase but reading the Guidelines or a memorandum of Agreement between the two countries at least the aupairs will have the security in case they become sick or die during their au pair stay then they host family will shoulder their repatriation. (Will discuss it further next post)

The aspiring Filipino aupairs should always be reminded that the AUPAIR is not a DOMESTIC HELPER, know their aupair rights and of course speak up if you think you are being abused and don’t pay anything to middle men/illegal agents/agencies.

Philippines Embassy in Norway will conduct an Consular Outreach program in Denmark so for those Filipino passport holders in Denmark who still hold a green passport now it’s your time to renew or submit your applications without going to Norway since renewal of the new machine readable passport requires your personal appearance in the embassy.

Here’s the announcement from the embassy:

CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN DENMARK (June 13, 2010)

Dear Friends and Kababayans in Denmark,
The Philippine Embassy is pleased to announce that it will be conducting another Consular Outreach Mission in Denmark on June 13 at the Storsal of Skt. Annæ Kirke. We urge you to kindly spread the word so that we can reach as many Filipinos in the country as possible. Below are the details.

CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN DENMARK (June 13, 2010)
The Philippine Embassy will be conducting mobile Machine Readable Passporting Services in Copenhagen, Denmark on 13 June (Sunday) at the Storsal, Skt. Annæ Kirke at Hans Bogbinders Allé 2, 2300 København S starting 9AM-12NN and 1-6PM.
Kindly refer to our website for the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) application requirements and make sure to bring COMPLETE requirements. Please also make sure to include a photocopy of the data page of your old passport and its amendments page if any change has been made to your details in your passport. Application forms may be downloaded from our website as well.
For more information about the Machine Readable Passport, you may visit:
http://www.philembassy.no/consular/mrp2.html
Thank you and looking forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
LENNA EILLEEN C. DE DIOS-SISON
Third Secretary and Vice Consul
Philippine Embassy
4th Floor, Nedre Vollgate 4
0158 Oslo, NORWAY

+47 2240 0904 (Direct Line)
+47 2241 7401 (Fax)

Wow that’s a good news but that doesn’t mean that the exploitation form the host families and illegal agents will stop. When you search in the net even the reporters like one I read in the Philippine stars keeps on mentioning Domestic helpers . Hello aupairs is not domestic helpers. There’s abig difference work wise and compensation wise. Basically au pair allowance  is around 400 euros for maximum of 30 hours/week and domestic helper or house help salary is usually from 750 euros working more than 8 hours/day  that’s what I heard from friends in Spain.

Would be au pairs applicants should know what they are entering into search and search in the net and now the POEA has standard contract and verification process they should also orient the applicants of their rights and be assertive and I  know their reproductive rights because that are the common problems we/ I encounter everyday. We can not complain that the host are exploiting the au pairs when they themselves allow them on the first place they or the agents are telling the applicants that will do everything because of they are former household helpers in Singapore and in Hongkong.

Our ambassador Her Excellency Elizabeth Buensuceso made an appeal to the Danish government and the Norwegian government for memorandum agreement meaning that they sit down and mutually agree to the terms of of the Philippine Government to protect the rights and welfare of the aupairs. She announced that Philippine government and the Norwegian counterpart were already finalizing the draft during Babaylan Denmark’s Au Pair Congress last November 2009 in Oslo but still no official lifting of the ban. What I know is that the Philippine government wanted an insurance besides the health insurance as you are automatically member if you have a permit to stay and repatriation in case something happens to the aupair like we experienced her in Denmark a couple of times

Hurrah no more escort fee at the airpor said some of the comments in this site’s facebook page. Well, that’s true whenever there’s an issue about au pair exploitation the press always focus more on the corruptions of officials in the airport and that makes you feel angry. Now that the Day care institution is deteriorating due to cost saving and long waiting time for the child to be accepted in the institution, the au pair system is a better options so I think that’s the reason why the au pair is becoming popular nowadays. Majority of Filipinos who worked as an au pair made their life better and experienced another cultur and able to go to places you will never imagine you will visit when you are in the Philippines so this is good news.

But there are also those who were not lucky and their life become a messed up instead of good memories so applicants check what is an au pair before applying http://www.filipinaaupair.net/index.php/what-is-an-au-pair/.

Catholic Church

Oslo

St. Olav’s Cathedral
Every Sunday English Masses at 1800H

Address: Akersveien 1, 0177 Oslo
Contact Person: Rev. Fr. Amando Bergantino Alfaro Jr. and Ms. Elizabeth Helland (Church Secretary)

Contact No.: +47 2321 9573, +47 2298 2165 and + 47 9940 5608 (Mobile)

St. Joseph’s Church
Every Sunday English Masses at 0930H Every 4th Sunday of the Month: 1400H (Tagalog Mass)
Every Friday: 1800H (Tagalog Mass)

Address: Akersveien 4, 0177 Oslo
Contact Person: Rev. Fr. Redentor M. Molina
Contact No.: +47 9986 4952

Copenhagen:

Skt. Annæ’s Church
Saturday and Sunday English Masses at 1700H

Address: Skt. Elizabeth’s Allé 2, 2300 Kbh. , Denmark

Contact Person: Fr. Benny Mathew,C.Ss.R
Contact No.: +45 – 2193 4215 (Mobile)
e-Mail: bennycssr@hotmail.com
Chaplain for the Filipino Community: Fr. Joe Toms, C.Ss.R.
Contact No.: +45 5322 5232 (mobile)
e-Mail: joetoms77@ymail.com

How to get there: take 5 A from the city and get down in Tycho Brahes Alle note is already Zone 3 so it’s better stand up in Englandsvej busstop which is still zone 1 and walk around 100 meters ahead or take 3500S and go down in Englandsvej)

Sakramentskirken
Wednesday English Mass& Novena at 1700H

Address: Nørrebrogade 27C, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
Contact Person 1: Fr.Reinhold Sahner
Contact No.:+45 3535 6825 (fastnet)
e-Mail: sakramentskirken@mail-telia.dk
How to get there: Take bus no. 5A and go down in Ravnsborgade Busstop.

Sunday English Mass 1800H

Contact Person 2: Fr. Carroll Parker, Omi
Contact No.: +45 3125 5996 (Mobile)
e-Mail: carroll.parker@mail.dk

Vor Frue Kirken in Herlev
Thursday English Mass at 0930H and Sunday English Mass at 1130H

Address: Herlevgårdsvej 14, 2730 Herlev
Contact Person: Fr. Carroll Parker, Omi
Contact No.: +45 3125 5996 (Mobile)
e-Mail: carroll.parker@mail.dk

St. Knud Lavard’s Church
Sunday English Mass at 1300H

Address: Lyngbygårdsvej 1A, 2800 Lyngby
Contact Person: Fr. Alren Soosaipillai, OMI
Office tel nr: 45 87 08 88
Contact No: 50 15 52 26
e-Mail: alrenomi@gmail.com

Jesus is Lord

Oslo

Jesus is Lord Norway
Every Sunday: 1530H – 1800H
Every Thursday: 1800H – 2100H

Address: American Lutheran Church, Fritznersgate 15, 0264 Oslo
Contact Person: Pastor Gilbert Palmero
Contact No.: +47 9528-2491
e-Mail: jilnorwaychapter@hotmail.com

Copenhagen

Jesus is Lord Copenhagen
Every Sunday: 1445H – 1700H

Address: Allehelgens Kirke 43, Ungarnsgade 2300, Kbh S
Contact Person: Pastor Precy Soltes-Ofori
Contact No.: +45 3123 9778 and +45 3646 3113
website: www.jesusislordchurch.dk

Living World Bible Center

Living World Bible Cente

Every Sunday: 1500H – 1730H

Address: Geitmyrsveien 7D 0107 Oslo
Contact Person: Pastor Vic del Valle and Sis. Ana del Valle
Contact No.: + 47 4023 0603 and + 47 4024 9524
e-Mail: livingwordbiblecenter@yahoo.com

Filipino Christian Church

Oslo

Filipino Christian Church Norway
Every Sunday: 1400H – 1700H

Address: Filadelfia Center St. Olavsgate
Contact Person: Pastor John Angeles
Contact No.: +47 6084 3667
e-Mail: jpa4569@yahoo.com

Copenhagen:

Filipino Christian Church Copenhagen
Every Sunday: 1730H – 2030H

Address: Culture Hall/Kultur Sal, Drejervej 15-21,2400 Copenhagen NV
Contact Person: Pastor Raymond Osias
Contact No.: +45 2692 9314
Website: www.fcccommunities.com

Iglesia ni Cristo 1

Copenhagen:

Filipino Christian Church Copenhagen
Every Sunday: 1730H – 2030H

Iglesia ni Cristo
Every Thursday: 1900Hpm-2000H ;Every Sunday: 1000H – 1100H

Address: Brønshøjvej 12, 2700 København
Contact Person: Rossal Kiilerich
Contact No.: +45 41233679
e-mail: divinekiilerich@yahoo.com

Workship services are both conducted in English

Copenhagen Community Church (CCC)

Copenhagen:

Copenhagen Community Church
Sundays: 1100H – 1300H

Norre Farimagsgade 45
1364 Copenhagen K

This is the description from FaFo’s homepage 

This report is the outcome of an evaluation of the Norwegian au pair scheme. The main objectives of the evaluation have been to uncover whether (or not) the scheme is practised according to its original intentions, and whether the changes introduced to the scheme in 2007 have generated the desired effects. The basic aim of the evaluation has thus been to give a comprehensive assessment of the au pair scheme, and furthermore to see whether additional changes are needed other than those already put in place in 2007. The report describes the strategies and motivations of au pairs and host families, and discusses how contact is established between them.

There has been a considerable increase in the number of au pairs in Norway, from 691 in 2000 to 2860 in 2008, with Filipinos representing the largest group. The majority of au pairs are female, and only a small proportion of applicants are men, making au pairing a form of female-dominated employment involving what has traditionally been the responsibility of women within the household, namely housework and care work.

 The report examines the increase in numbers and the fact that third country nationals today dominate the scheme. It also debates whether au pairs and host families see au pair placement as a cultural exchange scheme in accordance with the original intentions, or as a form of employment. In addition, the report offers a brief description of the conditions for au pair placement in the UK, Denmark and Poland as a comparison to the situation in Norway. In light of these various issues, the evaluation offers policy recommendations for improvements and changes to the structural framework of au pair placement.

You can download the full report as a pdf file by clicking this link that will lead you to site.

The launching of this report  was attended by State Secretary Libe Rieber-Mohn, the State Secreatary of integration, immigration, and diversity matters. One of Fafo’s recommendation is that the Norwegian government/embassy has to work on establishing a bi-lateral agreement with the Philippines. According to the State Secretary Lieber -Mohn that they are already in dialog with the Philippine goverment  and  will continue this autumn, she said, and if there is no agreement reached, Norway will most likely follow the Wien convention and respect Filipino law regarding au pairs. (source: http://www.lofot-tidende.no/innenriks/article4529719.ece)

So I hope the Philippine goverment will look on this matter now that the Norwegian goverment will sit down and willing to establish a bi-lateral agreement regarding the aupair system. For your information the Philippines doesn’t allow it’s citizens to go out and work as an aupair. Check the realted posts on this site  regarding the ban, The research of aupair program by Genevieve Arroyo Part 1 & Part 2 andd Not is all fair for Au pairs by Filomenits Hoegsholm. 

This is relevant for the Filipinos  because according to the 2008 statistics there are 2,090 filipinaaupairs out of 2,860 that is 73.08 % of the total aupairs in Norway. Filipinos in the past years flocks to Norway after their term as aupair  in Denmark and Holland. Others came direct from the Philippines amidst the ban by paying  a large sum of money to corrupt officials at the airport and agencies. 

As there is a continous demand for househelp more and more families are misusing the aupair system because it much more cheaper than hiring a professional help. Although the pocket money is higher than in the Philippines they should  still follow the European standard. So much was changed when they started the aupair system it is not a cultural exchange anymore but it mean work to the aupair and cheap labor to the host families. So is au pair still on equal terms?

Here’s the announcement from the embassy:

CONSULAR OUTREACH MISSION IN DENMARK (July 3-4, 2009)

The Philippine Embassy will be conducting mobile Machine Readable Passporting Services and manual Overseas Absentee Voting Registration in Copenhagen, Denmark from July 3 to 4 (Friday to Saturday) at the following venue with the following schedules:

VENUE:

STORSAL, SKT. ANNÆ KIRKE (ST. ANN CHURCH)
Hans Bogbinders Allé 2, 2300 Copenhagen S
by public transportation – take bus 5A and get-off at Tycho Brahes Allé)
SCHEDULE:

 

July 3 & 4:     9 AM-12 NN,  1 PM – 6 PM
Kindly refer to the Philippine Embassy in Norway website for the Machine Readable Passport (MRP) application requirements and make sure to bring COMPLETE requirements. Please make sure to include a photocopy of the data page of your old passport and its amendments page if any change have been made to your details in your passport. Application forms may be downloaded from the website.

Meanwhile, all Filipino citizens 18 years old and above who are eligible to vote are encouraged to to register. All interested registrants should bring three (3) passport size ID pictures and their valid Philippine passports.

For more information about the Machine Readable Passport, Overseas Absentee Voting as well as the registration process, kindly visit:

http://www.philembassy.no/consular/mrp2.html
http://www.philembassy.no/filcom/oavreg.html
http://www.philembassy.se/annments/oav/page1.htm
CONTACT PEOPLE:

Sister Myrna: +45 5290 0184 or +45 5354 3214
Ms. Rosemarie Christensen: +45 6013 6764
Philippine Embassy: +47 9500 1072

Part 2

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After 4 years of hard work, I’ve finally graduated last July 12, held at the Heineken Music Hall. One of the reasons why I’ve been very busy and wasn’t able to keep you posted about my thesis, but hey, here I am again! First of all, I would like to express my great appreciation to everyone who supported me in finalizing my dissertation (you all know who you are!)

Genevieve with family after the ceremony at the Heineken Music Hall

According to Alex Osborn “A fair idea put to use is better than a good idea kept on the polishing wheel.” So last June 5, an activity using the Six Thinking Hats technique of Edward de Bono was organized. This technique was used in order to explore different perspectives towards a complex situation or challenge. In this case: Should the Philippine government lift the ban on the deployment of the Filipinos under the so called au pair program? This method was a huge assistance in distinguishing ideas or solutions about the problem in various ways, which may be a good idea in strategy formation or complex decision-making processes. The participants were asked to wear different colored hats (for various reasons, names will not be mentioned). Each colored hats is a mnemonic description of a particular hat: white (information), red (emotions), blue (process), yellow (optimism), green (growth and possibilities), and black (pessimism). To sum up, all the participants agreed that it is indeed logical for the au pair ban to be lifted but certain mechanisms should be put in place.

I would also like to clarify some confusion about all the reports surrounding Filipina au pairs during the first and second quarter of this year. The total number of Filipina au pairs who were here in the Netherlands last year (2006) in total is 238. There are in fact 898 au pairs who came to the Netherlands from 2000-2006. So contrary to some reports, the number of Filipina au pairs coming to the Netherlands is increasing. On the February issue of MN, one commented that I should also get the number of au pairs leaving the Netherlands because they were aware that there are a lot of au pairs who are overstaying. According to the Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (CBS) “Almost three quarters of all labor migrants from 1997 had left within six years. Au pairs, trainees and students leave even faster. Almost all au pairs and trainees have left within six years….” Getting the exact number of leaving au pairs is almost impossible. Due to the EU integration there are no longer border controls and because of the European geography, one can go to other countries through different modes of transportation.

In order to maintain quality and to actually find out the au pairs say about the topic and to further inform them about the program, experiential survey was used for comparative analysis. With the assistance of Mr. Rico Fernando, this research managed to reach seventy one (71%) of the target market. This percentage is considered representative although all au pair agencies specializing in Filipina au pairs have declined to provide information regarding the topic because of privacy and confidentiality reasons. The survey has shown astounding results some of which will be shared.

In the past reports and was again reiterated by the Philippine embassy in The Hague, they claimed that: “Filipinas traveled to Europe as an “au pair” not with the intention to study a country’s culture and learn its language, but more to find employment by offering care giving, nannying or domestic related-services.” Based on the survey, forty (40%) percent of the Filipina au pairs really came here to learn the Dutch culture. Ranking second is for personal development (33%). This is normal because young people of this generation are very keen on developing themselves for future endeavors. Ranking third is to gain experience. A lot of reports have proven that through cultural exchanges, including the 2007 World Development Report (WDR), young people are improving more and more. Only eight percent (8%) of the respondents answered that their main purpose is to work.

As a response to the question: Did you feel abused by your host family? Out of the 40 respondents 3 people (8%) said that they were abused. The main reasons: they worked more hours than what is allowed and had to do what is considered heavy work. These au pairs are the very same people who were not completely informed about the au pair program. Sadly, none of them did something to stop this abuse just because they did not know who to contact or ask for help. By doing a cross analysis, these au pairs got to know about the au pair program through relatives/acquaintances, au pair agency and internet. There are different reasons for this:

* Perhaps the au pair agency did not provide proper information to the au pair applicant;
* As was stated by IAPA and NAPO there are dangers of finding host families through the internet;
* The relatives/acquaintances which introduced the au pair program to the au pair and the host families are not aware of the regulations of the au pair program.

Two of these au pairs don’t want to be an au pair anymore and in order for them to come here in the Netherlands they bribed some immigration officials in the Philippines.

CONCLUSION:

This research attempted to elucidate the complex rationalization of the au pair ban in the Philippines and why the Philippine government should lift the ban. The government has good intentions on why they imposed a ban on au pair placements although the program is internationally recognized. But by refusing to acknowledge the program’s uniqueness, it has caused a negative image not only to the country but also to the Filipino au pairs.

Genevieve Mr. Jack Hompes (IAPA/NAPO) and Mr. Tobias Novogrodsky (WYSETC)

By revoking the ban this image can be retracted and at the same time be valuable in the formation of a bilateral agreements with the EU. By insisting on its assumption that the au pair program is an employment scheme, it violates international norm which in the EU has already been established through the 1969 Treaty. So, such an agreement would be proven unfeasible. The benefits of the au pair program would rematerialize not only to the Philippine government and the receiving countries through economic growth but most prominently to the youths wanting to join this program.

On an academic point of view, the program provides benefits to the youth by enhancing and transforming their skills through first hand experience, cultural exploration and immersion, and broadens perspectives. Au pairs will also be endowed with added human capitals such as proper education, advanced knowledge and language skills. The comparative analysis has revealed that the au pair program is not being exploited by Filipino youths, has not caused trafficking to Filipino women and it is not a disguise to avoid unemployment safeguards. The number of abused au pairs is so diminutive that it does not constitute national interest and public welfare. The analysis has also shown that these Filipino au pairs, the ones who actually experienced the program, does not agree on the ban and would like the ban lifted. Nine years have passed and the situation has changed.

Through careful analysis and considering the legal issues involved, the ban is not in accordance with international regulations. Therefore, the Philippine government should lift the imposed ban on the deployment of Filipino au pairs under the so called au pair program.

CONCOMITANT

A copy of the dissertation was presented to the International Au Pair Association (IAPA) and to the World Youth Student and Education Travel Confederation (WYSETC). After briefings and discussions, both organizations have agreed to be of assistance to the Filipino youths and have asked the Philippine government to reconsider the au pair ban in the Philippines through the Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alberto G. Romulo with a CC to Mr. Jose Z. Molano Jr., of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). Copy of the letter follows.

Alberto G. Romulo
Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs
11th Floor DFA Building
2330 Roxas Blvd. Pasay City
NCR 1300
Philippines

June 28, 2007

Dear Mr. Romulo,

On behalf of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA), I am writing to kindly request that the current policy of the Philippine Government prohibiting young people from travelling to Europe as au pairs be reconsidered.

This letter provides an overview of the policy in question, reviews progress made over the past decade to address the concerns which originally underpinned the policy, and provides background information about the work of IAPA and its members to provide cultural exchange au pair experiences for young people and host families around the world.

Background

On November 5, 1997 the Republic of the Philippines implemented a temporary ban on the deployment of Filipino ‘migrant workers’ under the so-called au pair program.

The ban was introduced on the basis that it would stop the perceived exploitation of Filipino youth, primarily females, living with families in Europe as au pairs. In particular, there were concerns that Filipino au pairs in Europe were being unfairly compensated, working excessive hours, and experiencing culture shock. A few exceptional cases of abuse, discrimination and prostitution were also reportedly brought to the attention of government officials.

Evidently, as no compelling evidence validating these concerns was available at the time, the ban was introduced on a temporary basis to allow for a more substantial study of the experience of Filipino au pairs in Europe to be carried out.

On April 20, 1998, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) distributed Circular Note Number 981289 to European diplomatic missions in Manila requesting their support in implementing the above-mentioned ban on Filipino au pairs.

The ban has now been in effect for almost 10 years.

Discussion

IAPA has a number of serious concerns about the ban.

First, IAPA is worried that what was intended as a “temporary” measure has in fact become a permanent policy which is denying young people from the Philippines an opportunity to participate in cultural exchange au pair experiences in Europe.

Second, in the past 10 years, no compelling research or information has been made publicly available which substantiates the concerns raised about the experiences of (some) Filipino au pairs in Europe in the early and mid 1990s. If the research has been done, it should be made public. If the research has not been done, then there is no objective basis for continuing the ban. Ad hoc, impressionistic allegations from more than 10 years ago that have never been properly investigated or validated are not an adequate basis for maintaining the current policy.

Third, it is clear that a small number of individuals from the Philippines are finding ways to circumvent the ban. Many European countries are still willing to provide Filipinos with visas to travel to their country as au pairs. In order to leave the Philippines, however, many Filipinos are forced to pay bribes to officials at the airport. Thus perversely, by pushing the business underground, the ban may in fact be exposing young Filipinos to precisely the kinds of exploitation it was designed to prevent.

Fourth, in the 10 years since the ban was introduced, the au pair industry in Europe and around the world has undergone significant development and professionalism. There are now hundreds of registered, licensed companies operating in Europe providing thousands of young people from around the world with cultural exchange au pair experiences. These companies are supported at the national, continental and global level by professional au pair associations:

There are national au pair associations in 7 European countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Latvia, Spain and Ireland. A national au pair association is expected to be established shortly in Austria.

At a continental level, the European Committee for Au Pair Standards (ECAPS) – www.ecapsweb.eu — is bringing about additional professional and regulatory clarity in the industry.

At the global level, IAPA has established international standards for au pair program operators, a code of conduct, and other support mechanisms to support the international au pair community and strengthen the ‘cultural exchange’ benefits of au pairing.

The rapid professionalisation of the au pair industry over the past decade means that the difficulties that some au pairs from the Philippines may have encountered in Europe ten years ago are far less likely to occur now and, if they do occur, such problems can be much more quickly, effectively and aggressively remedied.

Fifth, the fact that young people from the Philippines are allowed to travel as au pairs to the United States but not to Europe is not justifiable on any objective grounds. The standards and regulations regarding au pairing in many European countries exceed those which are commonly applied in the United States. At a minimum, therefore, the blanket continent-wide ban denying young Filipinos the chance to be an au pair with a European family should be replaced with a less rigid policy that reflects the high-standards of au pairing in most, if not all, European countries.

Finally, IAPA is very concerned that the ban is based on a false assumption about the nature and practice of the au pair experience itself. The ban presumes that the typical au pair considers herself to be – and is viewed by her host family as – an inexpensive foreign labourer or ‘migrant worker’. This conception of au pairing is way off the mark.

The primary ‘currency’ of the au pairing experience is cultural exchange (i.e. values, ideas, etc.) not money. Indeed, au pairing is arguably the oldest and purest form of international cultural exchange experience available to young persons. As an integral part of a host family, an au pair is exposed to a new language and foreign culture in one of the most direct, personal, sustained and meaningful ways imaginable.

The modest stipend that au pairs receive helps to offset the costs they face while living and travelling abroad. Without this modest remuneration (or ‘pocket money’), many young people would never be able to afford the extended travel and cultural experience abroad that au pairing provides. Furthermore, many au pairs use their stipend to pay for language courses, thus gaining additional fluency in the recipient country’s language and culture.

Furthermore, over the past decade, the notion of au pairing as primarily a cultural exchange experience has been extensively reinforced through standardized business practices and legal frameworks now common in the industry. Nowadays, individuals wishing to participate in a cultural exchange au pair experience in Europe (organized by a licensed and/or registered au pair agency) are properly screened and prepared. Likewise, a European family wishing to host an au pair will be rigorously screened and informed about all relevant rules, legal requirements and appropriate cultural (exchange) practices.

For all of these reasons, IAPA formally requests that the government of the Philippines reconsider its out-dated, discriminatory ban on young people from the Philippines travelling to Europe as au pairs.

IAPA would be happy to meet with you or any of your colleagues to discuss this matter further. IAPA representatives would likewise be pleased to travel to the Philippines to participate in any process that may be undertaken to develop an alternative policy or legal framework for Filipino au pairs in Europe.

Thank you, in advance, for taking IAPA’s views into account. I look forward to hearing back you shortly.

Sincerely,

Mr. J.A.L.E. Hompes
Chairman
International Au Pair Association – IAPA

International Au Pair Association
Store Kongensgade 40H, 1264 Copenhagen K, Denmark
Tel. +31 20 421 2800 Fax +45 33 93 96 76
Email: mailbox@iapa.org Web: www.iapa.org

Part 1

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The Au Pair Program
Different Views, Different News
by Genevieve Arroyo

Gnevieve Arroyo

 

 

Hello everyone!

I am a graduating student who decided to make a research on the au pair program for my dissertation. To begin with, I would like to explain what an au pair program is about. I know that probably most of you already know what an au pair is but I would explain it again for the benefit of those who do not know it yet and what the au pair program really is.

The Au pair Program

Cultural policies have been developed and promoted for over a century already and the au pair program is just one of those. Cultural exchange programs are supported from local councils, to national governments; to supranational and even at global levels (like UNESCO). Au pair literally means “as equal” which means that when a young person is placed as an au pair, the host family will treat that person as a member or guest in their house. Here in the Netherlands, if a host family decides to sponsor an au pair, the au pair will in exchange of free board and lodging:

-Assist in doing some light household chores and some babysitting. For a complete list of what falls on light household chores visit the following link: http://www.napoweb.nl/en/download/regulations3a.pdf

-Do her duties for a maximum of 8 hours a day, 30 hours per week only.

-Be allowed to participate in different leisure activities such as making trips or taking a language course.

-Receive an allowance of up to a maximum 340 euros per month.

The Council of Europe has set out the standards on au pair placement, entitled the “European Agreement on Au pair Placement” in 1969. Although the Netherlands is not a signatory of this treaty the rules are not contradictory to the said agreement.

For students or young people, this program is a good way to learn other culture and broaden their horizons. Having a unique status, an au pair is neither a student nor a worker but has both features. You can attend a language school to harness your language skills and at the same time receive some pocket money which you can use to visit other parts of the country and maybe save some of the money for future plans. Through this program, au pairs are then able to share their country’s culture and at the same time learn the culture of their host country.

Au pair ban in the Philippines

Having said those, why then would the Philippine government ban the au pair program HERE in Europe when in fact a lot of young people around the world (even Dutch youths!) are actively participating from this program? There were different justifications for the ban. According to some reports Filipino placed au pairs are being exploited, turned into slaves, domestic helpers and prostitutes among other things. It was also mentioned that there were many confirmed cases BUT there were no actual numbers of such justifications.

The ban was implemented nine years ago and caused a lot of stir. Dialogues, complaints, opinions, petition have been aired and published but up to this day the ban is still in effect. The situation since 1997 has changed. There are now lots of entities who help and support au pairs in cases of abuse or exploitation. Even the Immigratie en Naturalisatiedienst(IND) has taken a move. Since June 1, 2004, au pairs with complaints can lodge their complaints to the IND (for those who don’t know the number it is: 070-3703888), au pairs may also try to contact the Netherlands Au pair Organization (NAPO), trusted au pair agencies and a lot of Filipino organizations who has devoted their time in helping co-Filipinos.

In a statement made by the Philippine embassy last April 1999 published by MN, it was mentioned that there was an ongoing dialogue between the Netherlands and Philippine government and both government are seeking solutions and “� this should certainly be forthcoming.” The Dutch government has already taken steps in tackling the problem. I haven’t seen any data yet about any moves made by the Philippine government (of course, maybe this is because my files/research is still not complete). When I wrote to the Philippine embassy in The Hague last November 2005, I was informed that the embassy is not aware of any statistical information that Filipinos continue to travel to the Netherlands under the au pair arrangement. Below are the actual numbers:

Approved MVV’s on Au pair arrangement

Source: IND

According to the president of NAPO, Mr. Jack Hompes, Filipino au pairs continue to arrive and through the years the numbers are stable, as you can see and in 2005 alone there are 133 Filipino placed au pairs here in the Netherlands. This is quite a huge number considering that the ban is still implemented and that immigration officials in the Philippines have been notified about it. Some reasons that prompted the growth are:

- Youths from around the world are becoming aware of the benefits of the au pair program

- Growth of the number of au pair agencies specialized in Filipinos.

- Need for self improvement by means of experience.

For this reason, I managed to interview Filipina au pairs who are already here sometime in 2005 and some of those who arrived in 2006 and this year. I would like to ask all Filipina au pairs to participate in my survey and if you know anyone else who is into the au pair program starting from 1998 to present. Also different au pair agencies to let me interview Filipino au pairs they’ve placed. The survey will be sent by email and if it’s not possible I can send it to you by post or we can make an appointment.

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MN-205, March 24, 2007

Life on campus has many distractions that can keep students from managing their time and keeping up with their studies, but according to Thomas Huxley: “Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the things that you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.”

I have decided to compare the au pair program as implemented by two powerful continents: United States and Europe. Why? Because the au pair ban imposed by the Philippine government only applies in Europe BUT not in the US.

In the US, they have what they call an Exchange Visitor Program (EVP). The purpose of the program is to provide foreign nationals the opportunity to participate in educational and cultural programs in the US. EVP is divided into 13 program categories. The au pair program is just one of these categories. The Philippine participation on the EVP is being handled by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).

The following table is a compilation about the au pair program in US and Europe.

This table has two purposes:

1. To compare the differences of the au pair program between US and Europe and

2. To find out whether the au pair program in Netherlands is contradictory to the EAAP.

As mentioned before, Netherlands is not a signatory to the EAAP. Based on the table, there are slight differences. Of course in Europe, rules are applied differently as each country has to adhere on their own regulations. In Belgium for example, the au pair should already be enrolled in a language course (Dutch, German or French) before a visa is issued. If a person wants to go to Germany as an au pair she needs to speak German. In the Netherlands, taking a language course is optional. But it is worth noting that most au pair agencies here and some companies provide Dutch courses especially for the au pairs and it doesn’t cost as much as when you attend to a normal school.

Another interesting difference is the “working” hours. In the US, au pairs can work up to a maximum of ten (10) hours per day; in France five (5) hours per day and in the Netherlands eight (8) hours per day. There is also a big difference in compensation. If you are an au pair in the US they will deduct $92.70/week for board and lodging, so the total compensation per week would be $139.05. This wage is according to the Fair Labor Standards Act of the US Department of Labor. In the Netherlands, the maximum allowance is €340.00 per month. This is in accordance to the Foreign Nationals Employment Act (Wav). In Belgium, the au pair’s compensation must be at least €450.00 per month and must be deposited into the au pair’s bank account. There is also a possibility of extending the au pair’s stay for 6, 9 or 12 months after a year in the US. In Europe, some countries allow au pairs to extend their stay for another year but this is not the case in the Netherlands.

Based on these comparisons, are the regulation differences really that huge? How do we know that indeed Filipina au pairs are exploited? Or turned into domestic helpers? Is it from the working hours? Or is it based from the au pair’s stipends? Considering that it’s only this year that the salary of domestic helpers increased from $200 to $400. Au pairs are supposed to be treated as a member of the family. Are au pairs treated in a way that is comparable to how domestic helpers in Hong Kong or Middle East are treated? We’ve all heard horror stories (and facts!). But I will not go into this as my research is not about domestic helpers.

So, how do we distinguish the difference then? From hear says? Where and how do we base such judgment? Is it through perceptions? What about duties? Is it really similar? There are lots of questions that need to be answered in order to clarify these confusions. There were also reports that some au pairs do not really come here in Europe for cultural exchange but to work, this is certainly a valid ground BUT isn’t it that when someone applies for a visa in any embassy or consulate the applicants are interviewed by one or two of the embassy staff in order to determine if someone is eligible or not (for whatever purpose). Isn’t that sort of directly or indirectly questioning/doubting how this people do their job? Also, is it fair to pre-judge someone to do something illegal or inappropriate? All human beings have different needs and desires; one of them is to have a good life. What is wrong in wanting or trying to earn some money? What about those who really want to participate in cultural exchange programs? Should they just all go to US when in fact it costs much more to go there? Should they just leave out Europe which is actually more culturally diverse than anywhere else?

Although I will never have the opportunity to become an au pair, I am into cultural exchange programs (being an international student). Never will I regret being a part of a program that shapes and hones one’s skills and aids in attaining your goal. Being culturally diverse is just one of the things that someone needs to learn in order to be competitive. I do not intend to play havoc with this topic but I do welcome answers and comments on all sides.

For your response/comments: vieve965@yahoo.com

This Site is NOT a AUPAIR ‘s MATCHING AGENCY

but A NON PROFIT Aupair Awareness Site nor intended to misuse an agency’s site for further clarifications check my post this-is-only-information-hub-for-filipino-au-pairs-not-a-recruitment-agency

if you are looking for help to find you a host you are on the wrong site

But nevertheless it doesn’t hurt if you know your Rights as an Aupair. You can browse the categories which is appears above or at the sidebar. This site is intended to provide information to au pairs specifically to Filipinos. Or you can also use the search box on the right side for particular topic. Below is the description on what’s the content of the categories.

• Au Pair Information- Information gathered from embassy’s and Immigration Service Website
• Au Pair News- Relevant news from article contributor or from different news media
• Au Pair Stories – Life stories FilipinaAu pairs
• Blogs- random blogs about anything related to au pair or OFW life
• General- formerly labeled uncategorized means that all that is not categorized will fall here.

Note that I do this on my free time so there’s still needs a lot of basic information from other countries that hire au pairs. But I will try to post more in my free time otherwise I will accepts any contribution relevant to this site just post a comment or write to me at filipinaaupair(at) gmail (dot) com

Thank you

Ana Lindenhann – administrator

Good day
We are honest and sincere British family living in the United Kingdom , We are looking for honest and sincere person to come over and take care of our kids while we are out for work. I want you to start working soon. I will be glad to read more about you if interested in the job and also to see pictures of you. I will try to upload my pictures and I will send them to you if you are interested in the job.. However, get back to me immediately if you are interested in the position for further details about my family and the job. There are colleges in my area and I will be glad to sponsor your tuition incase you will like to attend language class as you can study in your free time.
Your duty is basically taking care of my kids and making sure they are in
good state of health always and I will expect you to work for 35 hours
weekly from Monday thru Friday with weekends off. I will like to know
if you are okay with the salary offer of 1700pounds monthly and a
weekly pocket money of 250pounds. Get back to me soon if you are
interested in the job for further details. Here is my Contact Home
address 34 NESS WALK WITHAM, ESSEX , CM8 1TN and my phone numbers: +44 703 59721 197 E-mail mcbrdave1@yahoo.co.uk
I look forward to hear from you soonest possible.
Mc Brian David
For the family

It’s seems tempting but IT’s A SCAM - It’s not true. It happened to few people that I know but were to ashame to admit it publicly. It’s prevalent when you join au pair matching sites these scammers opens a profile as a family and try to contact desperate applicants. First they will contact you and promise you a very tempting impossible salary but later on they will extort you an ask you to send money.

Be wary especially if they say that they live in United Kingdom it is absolutely false because as of November 27 2008 the Au Pair Scheme together with other temporary working visa/permit is closed they are NOT accepting AU PAIR

check their website

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier5/

This also applies to agency or any other agent who offer you au pair job in the UK.