Here you will find the most common questions about working abroad or overseas.  How to go about finding job vacancies, basic steps in applying for a job, the documents required and more more, check the article below for more details.

1. What are the safest ways to get an overseas job?

-  The safest ways to get an overseas job are through any of the following:

• POEA – Government Placement Branch

Job vacancies are announced through the POEA website: check below for the link, newspapers, radio, TV and posted notices on bulletin boards.

• Private Recruitment Agencies Licensed by POEA

2.  How do I know that the agency I’m applying with is licensed and the job vacancy abroad is true or cleared with the POEA.

-          You can check and verify at the POEA 24-hour hotlines at (632) 722-1144 or  (632) 722-1155.

-          You can also visit the website at www.poea.gov.ph

3.  What are the basic steps I need to undergo when applying and after being selected/hired for an overseas job?

-          The following are the procedures that are usually being  observed in recruitment:

• File an application form and submit all the requirements being asked of you. The basic required documents are: personal data sheets, transcript of records (TOR), high school and or college diplomas, certificate(s) of employment, board certificate(s), training and trade testing certificates (if applicable), passport and 2×2 pictures.

• If you meet the minimum qualifications of the job, you will be asked to undergo testing and/or interviews among other screening procedures.

• If selected, you will be instructed to proceed to an accredited medical clinic for a general physical examination to ensure that you are fit to work.

• When you pass the medical exam, you will already be asked to sign an employment contract. REMEMBER, that before signing a contract, make sure that you have read and understood first all the provisions stated in the contract. DO NOT sign it nor pay any fee unless you have fully understood and agreed to the terms and conditions of the employment contract.

• Your agent will proceed to process your paper with any of the following concerned entities:

-  Concerned Embassy for visa issuance and stamping

- POEA for registration and documentation of employment contracts as well as issuance of overseas employment certificates (OEC) or e-receipt among other travel documents.

-  DFA if certain documents need translation and authentication (e.g. employment contract written wholly in a foreign language)

• You should undergo a compulsory pre-departure orientation seminar before leaving the country.

4.  What are the requirements for registration of applicant workers at POEA?

-    You have to submit the following original documents in one folder in one folder at the Manpower Registry Division, Blas F. Ople (BFO) Bldg., Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA Mandaluyong  City or to any POEA regional office.

• Self-made Bio-data or resume with detailed job description
• Two (2) pieces passport size or 2”x2” pictures
• Six  (6) pieces passport size or 2”x2” pictures for Ministry of Health – KSA applicants
• Certificate of Employment of at least two (2) years experience in one position
• School credentials such as High School Diploma, College Diploma, Transcript of Records (TOR)
• Birth certificate
• Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) certificate for Muslim applicants (Certificate from DFA or Camp Crame)
• Passport for applicants with overseas job experience

IF APPLICABLE

• Training certificate(s)
• Marriage contract for female applicants
• License Board

- Valid PRC ID

- Board License

- Board Rating

Note: Same set of documents will be required at the POEA Government Placement Branch which is located at the ground floor of the POEA bldg. in EDSA.

5.  How much will my agency collect from me for the placement fee?

-  POEA does not allow the collection of placement fees on countries where it is prohibited.    Seafarers and workers recruited through POEA-GPB do not pay placement fees.

In countries where collection is allowed, the maximum legal placement fee charged by licensed recruitment agencies from applicants must not be more than one-month salary of the worker, except like countries like Taiwan/Korea which have special placement fee schedules.

The amount does not include documentation and processing costs.

6.  What are included under the documentation and processing costs?

-  Documentation costs, which is usually paid by the worker, includes: fee for POEA processing,   OWWA membership, passport, NBI/Police clearance, medical examination, Philhealth/Medicare premium, trade test and authentication procedures.

- Processing cost for visa, airfare and on-site documentation are normally shouldered by the employers.

Source:  www.poea.gov.ph

OFW HOTLINES

If you need help or have any concerns do not hesitate to contact any of the ofw hotlines below.  Know your rights so that you can fight for it and be informed about the latest news so that you can be a well-informed Overseas Filipino Worker.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

Tel nos. (63 2) 834-3000 / 834-4000 Website: www.dfa.gov.ph

• Protect rights of Filipinos overseas.

• Consular services (for example, passport application and renewal)

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration OWWA

Tel nos. (63 2) 551-15601551-6641 Website: www.owwa.gov.ph

• Implement provisions of the Labor Code

• Develop, support and implement program for the social welfare of OFWs

Office of the Undersecretary for migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA)

Website: www.dfa.gov.ph/olamwa/menu.htm

e-mail: olamwa@dfa.gov.ph

- Provide and/or coordinate legal services for OFWs, including use of the Legal Assistance Fund to help overseas Filipinos in need of legal aid

Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO)

Ofw Hotlines:

Tel. No. (63 2) 532-8321 1

Fax No. (63 2) 561-8332

Website: www.cfo.gov.ph

e-mail: cfodfa@info.com.ph

- - Promote interests and well-being of Filipinos overseas

• Provide assistance to the President & Congress on formulation of policies concerning Filipinos overseas

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Tel no. (63 2) 527-8000

Website: www.dole.gov.ph

• Ensure protection and welfare of Filipino workers through fair application of foreign labor and social welfare laws

• Mother agency of POEA and OWWA

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)

Tel no. (63 2) 722-1144 / 722-1155

Website: www.poea.gov.ph

- Promote and monitor overseas employment of Filipino workers

- Implement provisions of the Labor Code of the Philippines as well as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 199

- Protect OFWs against illegal recruitment

- Monitor contacts & other documents of OFW

- Prepare OFWs for overseas employment through Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar

Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA)

Ofw Hotlines : (63) 9209 OFW SOS or (63) 9209 639 767

Website: www.pinoy-abroad.net

• A non-profit group that advocates the rights of migrant workers, the CMA set up a 24-hour text-based helpline to assist OFWs in contact the Philippine Embassy as well as the relatives in the Philippines.

National Statistics Office (NSO)

Tel no. (63 2) 737-1111 Website: www.census.gov.ph

• Release authenticated documents such a Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate

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