PLANNING TO WORK OVERSEAS?

Here are the answers to Frequently Asked Questions on overseas employment Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) What are the safest ways to get an overseas job? The safest ways to get an overseas job are through any of the following: Private Recruitment Agencies Licensed by the POEA Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Government Placement Branch (GPB) How do I know that the agency Im applying with is licensed and the job vacancy abroad is true or cleared with POEA? You can check / verify with the POEA Assistance and Information Center, Blas F. Ople (BFO) Bldg., Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA Mandaluyong City, or call the POEA hotlines at 722-1144 / 722-1155 You may also visit our website at www.poea.gov.ph 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: 1. Submission of Application and Requirements: Submit application form and all the requirements being asked from you. the basic required documents are : personal data sheets, transcript of records, high school and college diplomas, certificate(s) of employment, board certificate(s), training and trade certificates (if applicable), passport and 2x2 pictures.

2. Undergo Preliminary Interview and Evaluation You may have to attend a pre-application orientation being conducted by the concerned recruiter / local agent so you can be informed of the details of the employment offer. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the job, you will be asked to undergo testing and / or interviews among other screening procedures.

3. Undergo Medical and Trade Testing If selected, you will be instructed to proceed to an accredited medical clinic for basic medical examination and to any TESDA accredited testing centers, if necessary, to ensure that you are fit to work.

4. Discussion of the Terms and Conditions of Employment and Signing of Contract When you pass the medical exam and trade testing, you will be asked to sign an employment contract. REMEMBER, before signing a contract, read and study first all the provisions. Do not

Source: POEA Brochure (Planning to Work Overseas?)

sign the contract, nor pay any fees unless you have fully understood and agree to the indicated terms and conditions. Always demand for a receipt once a payment is made. 5. Processing of your documents with POEA and concerned embassies/entities. Your agency will now proceed to process your documents with the following entities: Concerned Foreign embassy Visa issuance / stamping Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for registration and documentation of employment contracts as well as issuance of e-Receipt or overseas employment certificates (OEC). Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) if certain documents need translation and authentication (e.g. employment contract written wholly in the foreign language). Concerned AIRLINE for issuance of booking certificates or Pre paid Ticket Advice (PTA). 6. Attendance to PDOS You should undergo a compulsory pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS) before leaving the country. 7. Validation and departure at the Airport You should proceed to the POEA-Labor Assistance Center and let required documents validated by its representative/s before attending to other Airport procedures. -

How can I avail of the POEA-GPB job placements? A POEA-GPB applicant can either register at the POEA Manpower Registry Division (MRD) or apply directly with the POEA-GPB as soon as a job opening which is commensurate to his skills / profession / education is available. An applicant can also register through the POEA website (www.poea.gov.ph) under its e-registration facility but has to submit the required documents once pre-selected. Who may register? 18 years old At least High School graduate Minimum two (2) years work experience No medical or legal impediments to disqualify the applicant from the overseas employment. Other specific qualification requirements may vary for each foreign employer and host country

The job vacancies are announced through the POEA website, the media (print, radio, TV) and posted notices on bulletin boards.

Source: POEA Brochure (Planning to Work Overseas?)

What are the documents to be submitted for registration of applicant workers at POEA? You have to submit the following original documents in one folder at the Manpower Registry Division, BFO Bldg., Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong city or any POEA regional office. Self made Bio-data or Resume with detailed job description Two (2) pieces passport size or 2x2 pictures Six (6) pieces passport size or 2x2 pictures for Ministry of Health KSA Applicants Certificates of Employment of at least two (2) years experience in one position School credentials - High School Diploma - College Diploma - Post Graduate Diploma (if applicable) - Transcript of Records Birth Certificate authenticated by the National Statistics Office (NSO) Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) Certificates, for Muslim Applicants (Certification from DFA or Camp Crame) Passport (for applicants with overseas job experience)

IF APPLIACBLE License / Board - Valid Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Identification Card - Board License - Board rating Training Certificate(s) Marriage Contract for female applicants

NOTE: Same set of documents will be required at the POEA Government Placement Branch, which also located at the Ground Floor of the BFO Bldg. How much should I pay my recruitment agency as placement fee? In countries where collection of placement fee is allowed, the maximum legal fee charged by licensed recruitment agencies from hired workers must not be more than the equivalent of one month salary. The amount does not include documentation and processing costs. In countries where collection of placement fee is not allowed, POEA prohibits the collection of such fee. Seafarers, Household Service Workers and workers recruited through POEA-GPB do not pay placement fees. What are included under documentation costs? Documentation costs, which are usually paid by the worker, include fees for passport, NBI / Police Clearance, medical examination, PhilHealth / Medicare Premium, trade test, authentication and inoculation as required by the host country.

Source: POEA Brochure (Planning to Work Overseas?)

What are included in the processing costs? Processing cost for visa airfare, on-site documentation, insurance coverage, POEA processing fee and OWWA membership are usually shouldered by the employers. If I get a job through the help of a friend or a relative who resides abroad, or through the Internet, what will I do with the documents sent to me? Individuals like you who are able to seek employment under self solicited means are classified as NAME HIRES/DIRECT HIRES. You must bring the following documents to the POEA: 1. For Skill Categories Other Than Household Service Workers Valid Passport Employment contract duly signed by the employer and worker and verified by the POLO or authenticated by the Philippine Embassy nearest the jobsite. (For drivers bound for the Middle East, a personal accident insurance and motor vehicle insurance duly verified by the POLO shall be submitted) Visa / employment or work permit, or equivalent document Certificate of medical fitness to work from DOH accredited medical clinic Certificate of attendance to the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) conducted by POEA Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet Undertaking from the Employer to faithfully comply with the provisions of the employment contract, to treat the worker humanely and to notify the Philippine Embassy / POLO of any developments about the condition and employment of the worker For worker bound to Canada-Labor Market Opinion and Canadian Letter For worker bound to USA-Labor Condition Application and Notice of Action

2. For Household Service Workers (HSWs) Valid passport Employment contract or offer of employment or equivalent document duly signed by the employer and worker and duly verified by the POLO or authenticated by the Philippine Embassy nearest jobsite. (For family drivers bound for Middle East, a personal accident insurance and motor vehicle insurance duly verified by the POLO shall me submitted) Visa / employment or work permit, or equivalent document Certificate of medical fitness to work issued by a DOH accredited medical clinic Certificate of attendance to the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) conducted by the POEA Duly accomplished OFW Information Sheet Undertaking from the Employer to faithfully comply with the provisions of the employment contract, to treat the worker humanely and to notify the Philippine Embassy / POLO of any developments about the condition and employment of the worker. Negative pregnancy test, in the case of a female HSW TESDA National Certificate II HSW OWWA certificate of attendance on Comprehensive Pre-Departure Orientation Program

Source: POEA Brochure (Planning to Work Overseas?)

What are the fees I have to pay for the processing of my papers if I am a Direct Hire? Direct Hired workers must pay the following fees: POEA Processing Fee US$100 or its peso equivalent OWWA Membership Fee US$25 or its peso equivalent PhilHealth P 900 / year Direct Hire may also opt to pay SSS contributions under the voluntary membership scheme. I am spending my vacation in the Philippines and will go back to my employer after one month. do I have to go to the POEA for processing of my documents all over again? As returning OFW (vacationing worker) or Balik Manggagawa, all you have to do is secure an e-Receipt or Overseas Employment Contract (OEC) at the POEA to enable you to leave the country and avail of privileges such as travel tax and terminal fee exemptions. An OEC can also be obtained at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) at the jobsite pr any POEA regional office. You have to show your passport, re-entry visa / work permit, your return ticket before the issuance of the e-Receipt or OEC. I want my children and my wife (or husband) to visit me in my worksite. Do they have to pay travel tax? The family of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) may avail of reduced travel tax offered by the Department of Tourism (DOT). A certified true copy of the OFW Information Sheet must be obtained from the POEA for the presentation to the DOT What are the usual Modus Operandi of illegal recruiters? Be wary of the following schemes commonly employed by the illegal recruiters: 1. ESCORT SERVICES Undocumented workers are escorted at the airport or any international port, often through a syndicate, to evade the legal process of documenting workers. 2. TOURIST WORKERS SCHEME Workers leave the country purportedly as tourists but have been promised jobs abroad, whether existing or non-existing. 3. DIRECT HIRING Workers are hired and deployed by foreign employers without passing through the POEA and / or licensed recruitment agencies. Being undocumented, they are therefore without protection. 4. SPORTS COMPETITION, RELIGIOUS OR MISSIONARY SCHEME Hired workers are disguised as part of a group with legitimate purposes like sports competitions or religious missions abroad.

Source: POEA Brochure (Planning to Work Overseas?)

5. MAIL ORDER BRIDE SCHEME A Filipina is paired with a foreigner allegedly for marriage but in reality being hired to work for the prospective groom. 6. BACKDOOR EXIT POINTS SCHEME Workers are sent abroad not through regular exit channels like airports but are deployed usually through the seaports to board cargo ships. 7. VISA ASSISTANCE IMMIGRATION / CONSULTANCY SCHEME Immigration consultants or travel agencies offer assistance in securing immigrant visas for applicants, but in reality, these offices are engaging in the recruitment business where they are prohibited. 8. BLIND ADS SCHEME Workers are enticed to apply and send cash or postal money order payment addressed to Postal Office Box or through any remittance channels where workers have no chance to meet and communicate personally with the recruiter. 9. TRAINING CENTERS Trainees are given courses for certain skills under the guise of guaranteed employment upon completion of the training and promised immediate placement / employment abroad after the training. How will I avoid illegal recruitment? The following are simple tips on how you can guard yourself from illegal recruitment: Do not apply at recruitment agencies not licensed by POEA. Do not deal with licensed agencies without job orders. Do not deal with any person who is not an authorized representative of a licensed agency. Do not transact business outside the registered address of the agency. If recruitment is conducted in the province, check if the agency has a provincial recruitment authority. Do not pay more than the allowed placement fee. it should be equivalent to one month salary, exclusive of documentation and processing costs. Do not pay any placement fees unless you have a valid employment contract and an official receipt. Do not be enticed by ads or brochures requiring you to reply to a Post Office (P.O.) Box, and or reply to any job offer posted at the internet and enclose payment for processing of papers. Do not deal with training centers, travel agencies and foundations, which promise overseas employment. Do not accept a tourist visa. Do not deal with fixers. If Im victimized by an illegal recruiter, where do I go and what must I do? 1. You can report to the following offices: POEA, Anti-illegal Recruitment Branch, 4th floor, Blas F. Ople (BFO) Bldg., Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City. Tel. Nos. 722-1189/92 POEA Regional offices

Source: POEA Brochure (Planning to Work Overseas?)

National Bureau of investigation, Anti-Human Trafficking Division (NBI-AHTRAD) Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

2. You can also file an illegal recruitment case directly with the Prosecutors Office. For more information Call the POEA Information and Assistance Center HOTLINES: 722-1144/722-1155 or visit us at www.poea.gov.ph Attend the Pre-employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) every Friday at 9:00 AM & 2:00 PM at 2/F PEOS center, Blas F. Ople (BFO) bldg., Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City Visit the nearest POEA Regional Office, Regional Extension Unit, POEA Satellite Office or Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in your area.

Source: POEA Brochure (Planning to Work Overseas?)