PRC Expecting 80,000 to 100,000 or More Examinees Beginning 2008

In its Memorandum Circular No. 2007-15 dated November 29, 2007, the Philippine Regulation Commission (PRC) disclosed that it is expecting a sharp increase in the number of test takers for the Nurse Licensure Exam (NLE) or the Philippine Nursing Board Examination.  PRC expects 80,000 to 100,000 or more examinees beginning 2008.  For this reason, PRC, through this Memorandum, now requires those taking the June 1 and 2, 2008 NLE, to apply on or before April 11, 2008 (Friday) and those taking the November 29 and 30 NLE, to apply on or before October 17, 2008 (Friday).  Examinees are urged to apply earlier than later to avoid confusion and delays that may arise.  In the previous years, the average number of examinees per year ranged from 15,000.00 to 30,000. 

Prospects for EB3 Visa in 2008

Belated happy new year to all our readers.*

The immigration debacle in the US hadn’t been addressed in 2007.  Filipino nurses waited in vain for the retrogression to be resolved (even temporarily).  There was a push for the passage of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act…but this legislation was crushed amidst the divisive issues in the other aspects of US immigration.  Then there were piece-meal legislations that likewise saw their demise in 2007.  All in all, year 2007 (especially the second half) had been brutal to Filipino nurses wanting or expecting to land on “greener pastures” that is the USA.

POEA Issues Stricter Rules on Direct-Hiring by Foreign Employers

The POEA has recently issued rules on direct-hiring by foreign employers. Here is a copy of the POEA circular on direct hiring. (See also the DOLE article on POEA MC No. 04-2007.)

Under Philippine law, generally, direct hiring is not allowed (Article 18 of the Labor Code – Ban on direct-hiring). There are two modes of hiring Filipinos for overseas placement: 1. Through POEA; and, 2. Through Private Recruitment Agencies duly accredited by the POEA. An exception was under name-hire as may be allowed or regulated by the Secretary of Labor.