The Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) on Wednesday said it is ready to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Russia who is looking to work in other nations.

Filipino workers are among those severely hit by economic sanctions against Moscow over its continued invasion of Ukraine.

“Because of the war, there were economic sanctions imposed on Russia. Their economy is affected. So, the value of money is also affected. Most of them plan to move to other countries to work for them to be able to send support to the Philippines. That’s the challenge there,” POEA chief Bernard Olalia said in a virtual forum.

He reported that they are coordinating with the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) and consulate to know the number of OFWs who want to go abroad and find another job.

“We have nothing else to do there but help our countrymen. Find employment or help them move and find other jobs for example from Russia to other countries. We don’t want to leave them alone because they are very vulnerable, especially during the war, there are so many challenges,” he added.

The POEA said there are close to 10,000 OFWs in Russia.

Most of them are household service workers (HSWs). There are also professionals, skilled workers, and those in the hospitality sector.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which started on February 24, has gained international condemnation which led to sanctions from the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, among others and resulted in a number of global companies stopping operations in the host country. (PNA)