Thousands of Filipinos deported from Malaysia began receiving free passports yesterday so they could go back there.
But it was not clear how many would be allowed to work.
The Foreign Affairs Department relaxed document rules for the deportees, now on the southern Philippine island of Bongao. Honesto Ramos, head of consular team, said birth certificates were not needed.
Sources said the waiving of the birth certificates rule was to accomodate hundreds of children of Filipinos who were born in Sabah. Malaysia does not grant automatic citizenship to those born there.
Mr Ramos said the deportees had to submit only three passport-size photos, a certificate from the Office of Muslim Affairs if a Muslim, and proof of deportation such as the boat manifest.
Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said one in three deportees wanted to return. 'Some left other family members there,' she said. 'Others had not been paid their salaries.'