Thousands of illegal Filipino migrants in Europe will be affected by the European Union's new immigration policy that prohibits employers from hiring undocumented workers. Figures released by the EU showed that there are about 954,000 OFWs in Europe of whom 285,000 are permanent residents, 556,000 are temporary residents and 113,000 are illegal workers.

Under the new legislation, which wil be enforced in 2011, employers hiring illegal workers would face sanctions, including fines and paying back wages to their workers amounting to "at least the wage provided for by the applicable laws on minimum wages, collective agreements or practices in the relevant occupational branches."

The employers could also be excluded from participation in public contracts, as well as from public benefits, aid and subsidies -- including EU funding managed by the member states -- for up to five years.

The legislation, also known as Employer Sanction Directive, is part of EU immigration measures to resolve its problem of overstaying aliens in Europe.  A step toward European immigration policy, this legislation will encourage the voluntary return of illegal immigrants but otherwise lay down minimum standards for their treatment. (The Daily Tribune)

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Alex Bobadilla said:

	... Well done madam...looks like you got the layout. LOL! Anyways, one quick question...Is Norway affected with these? Am just curious
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April 02, 2009
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