New year, new job.
In hopes of landing great career opportunities and providing better lives for their families, aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) spend a hefty amount of money, do a lot of paperwork, and leave their loved ones back in the Philippines. However, not everyone is as lucky as they thought.
Many Filipinos hoping to a secure a job outside the country are deceived by unauthorized recruitment agencies—false documents, assigned with a different job from what was promised, and robbed of their hard-earned money.
To help more from becoming a victim of illegal recruitment, WorkAbroad.ph, the Philippines’ leading overseas job site, shares important reminders when looking for a job abroad.
Apply only at POEA-licensed recruitment agencies
First thing that a jobseeker has to check is if the agency they are dealing with is authorized by Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA) to operate. Transact only with authorized representatives and agencies that have official job orders. The license number should be conspicuously displayed upon the entrance of the agency, if not, jobseekers may visit poea.gov.ph to verify if an agency is indeed licensed.
Alternatively, WorkAbroad.ph also generates the data from POEA under the “Validate POEA License” tool where users can verify if a particular agency is authorized.
Transact only within the registered business address
It is advised to not engage in any recruitment activities done in malls, residential areas, and restaurants outside their registered business address. If recruitment is conducted in the province or during a job fair, aspiring OFWs should check if the agency has a Special Recruitment Authority or Job Fair Authority issued by POEA, or ask the Public Employment Service Office of the concerned LGU.
Be mindful of fees
Victims of illegal recruitments reportedly paid an exorbitant amount of money for placement and processing fees when they should not. WorkAbroad.ph reminds employees that a placement fee is only equivalent to one month’s salary, exclusive of documentation and processing costs. Employers should also shoulder all the payments for visa, airfare, and processing costs. Most importantly, do not pay without signing a valid employee contract and official receipt.
Accept job offers with work visa
Many illegal recruitment agencies send Filipinos abroad only with a tourist visa. Prevent possible legal conflicts in other countries by only accepting job offers that provide work visa. Beware of unclear and unspecific job orders as it can also be a sign of an unauthorized recruitment.
Report an illegal recruiter immediately
Should an agency seem to be suspicious or fail to meet the standards mentioned above, immediately report them to POEA by calling 722-1144 or emailing [email protected].