NEWSFLASH

NETHERLANDS WANTS 20,000 PINOY NURSES

Manila, Jan. 1, 2000- The Netherlands needs 20,000 foreign nurses, and Dutch Queen Beatrix has expressed preference for Filipinos, says the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Benjamin Domingo, Labor Undersecretary for migrant workers, warned that Filipino registered nurses could wind up with the status of “trainee” in Dutch hospitals because of the difficulty in securing working permits.

Ambassador to The Hague Eloy Bello III said Queen Beatrix’s reported preference for Filipino nurses is due to their reputation for dedication and efficiency.

Some Dutch hospital administrators have assured Philippine officials that they will work for the full recognition of the status of Filipino nurses.

A strict requirement for the jobs is proficiency in the Dutch language.