Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), are entitled to fair treatment and work benefits, regardless of their job positions or the country where they are employed. Every Filipino who goes out of the country to work should read their employment contracts carefully to know the conditions of their employment as well as their privileges.

It would also help to know the location and contact number of the Philippine Embassy or Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) nearest their area. One can also air their concern to the labor ministry or labor officers in their host country.

Most of the host countries also demand their citizens/companies to treat the foreign workers fairly. One country that takes care of the rights of foreign workers is United States or America (USA). The US Embassy Manila recently started a blog that features guides on US visas. One of their entries features the rights of an OFW working in America.

According to the entry from the US Embassy Manila  Blog, a foreign worker that is employed for a period of time America have the right to:

• Be treated and paid fairly
• Not be held in a job against your will
• Keep your passport and other identification documents in your possession
• Report abuse without retaliation
• Not be treated differently or badly at work because of your gender, race, national origin, color, religion, or disability Request help from unions, immigrant and labor rights groups, and other groups, and
• Seek justice in U.S. courts 
  

For OFWs in USA that feels that they are not treated fairly or their rights are violated,  here are the toll-free numbers to call:

• 24 hour National Human Trafficking Resource Center – 1-888-373-7888
• Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force Complaint Line – 1-888-428-7581

Those in immediate danger can contact 911 and the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.  The telephone number of the Philippine Embassy in Washington is 202-467-9300.