Switzerland -- Filipino Undocumented Migrant Workers

Undocumented Migrant Workers (UMW) Living and Working in Geneva -

between 2,000 to 4,000 in Geneva about 98% works in private homes in various capacity: house cleaning, gardening, cooking, baby sitting, …. about 80% are women

Their Situation -

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most does not have Medical Insurance most does not have Social Insurance most live in dormitory type housing LOW wages constantly living in FEAR of being deported FEAR originates from both the Swiss authorities and fellow Filipinos (SUMBUNGAN, TAKUTAN) Experiences EXPLOITATION in varying degrees

Possible reason -

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lack of knowledge about Switzerland (LAWS, its PEOPLE, COSTUMS) lack of knowledge of the local language: FRENCH in general, they are not integrated into the Swiss community lack of knowledge about their rights as MIGRANT WORKERS

Attempts to address the PROBLEMS 1. K-Info Project: a free INFOSERVICE of KAKKAMPI which sends relevant information, news & 2.

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update using SMS technology. SMS is sent once a day to subscribers containing information about Switzerland (LAW, PEOPLE, COSTUMS) LEARNING French with Charly Hernandez. A project which aims to provide MW in Geneva a venue to learn French. Charly Hernandez is a Filipino who grew up and studied in Switzerland. Classes are held at KAKKAMPI (3’eme 36 Rue de Zurich) every Saturday from 17h00 to 19h00. The Classes are also available in video (DVD Format) Orientation program on the REGULARIZATION Campaign. In coordination with local groups like the SIT, KAKKAMPI is helping in the Regularization campaign for UMW spearheaded by the Collectif des Soutien aux Sans-Papier. Currently there are about 400 Filipino UMW participating in the Campaign which is about 10% of the total number of UMW participating in the campaign (4000 UMW). The UMW are issued PROCURATION which allows the SIT, a local labor union, to provide legal representation to the UMW on issues regarding permit. K-Café. An Internet café for MW. K-Cafe has 8 computers equipped with Webcams & Headsets and connected to the internet using a 2MB internet access. The café is open everyday from 14h00 to 21h00 at KAKKAMPI and is FREE for members of KAKKAMPI. At K-Café, people are encouraged to LEARN by doing. FORUMS. Resource persons are invited to provide UMW important information that affects their LIVES while working and living in Geneva Re-integration. Recognizing that most MW will go back home eventually, Forum, workshops are being organized to provide MW needed information and skills to plan, implement their eventual RE-INTEGRATION back into the Philippine society. (Partners: Unlad Kabayan, OFWNET) KAKKAMPI para sa KARAPATAN at KAUNLARAN, a monthly newsletter of KAKKAMPI containing relevant news, articles and other features relevant to the Migrant Worker community in Switzerland. Currently it has 350 circulation

For more information, contact: Association KAKKAMPI Rue de Zurich 36 +41765459679, +41227322308, [email protected]