How to Work Abroad

There are many ways to be able to work abroad. Some are legal, and for the exceptionally resourceful Filipinos, illegal methods are also available. Please note, however, that the purpose of this article is simply to provide information.

Through Recruitment Agencies

The easiest way to work abroad is to simply look at the newspaper's job section. There you will find numerous recruitment agencies advertising jobs for Hong Kong, Taiwan or the Middle East. These jobs, however, may not be suited to your profession, as Hong Kong employs mostly domestic helpers. So does Taiwan, but Taiwan also recruits a lot of factory workers. Middle East countries focus on contruction workers, and a little of everything.

When applying via recruitment agencies, you should first make sure that they are licensed to operate as such. Otherwise, they are deemed as illegal decruiters. To verify the agency's legality, take note of their license number, and cross-check it with POEA.

If you find an ad by a recruitment agency with a job that you wish to apply to, simple drop by their office and fill up their application form. There are a lot of documents that you need to submit, like photocopies of your passport, 2x2 pictures, NBI Cleaance, etc. They will provide you with the list that you need to accomplish.

Depending on the host country, some recruitment agencies will charge you a processing fee. Those that send applicants to Taiwan will often charge you Php40,000 and up for this service. For Middle East countries, it is common for them to use SD (Salary Deduction) for you to compensate the agency for their effort. Others, like those that really need skilledworkers , will often pay for the applicant's education and training so that the applicants will choose them as employers. This is common for the booming nursing and other health-related employment opportunities.

Once you submit your application, the recruitment agency will filter it first to see if you are qualified for the job you applied to. If you are, you may receive a call from them for your initial interview. This interview may already be with the prospective employer, so you should always look your best and always look confident.

If the employer finds you qualified for the job, he or she will inform the agency. The agency, in turn, will call you regarding this. If you are approved by the employer, you will need to submit more documents to the agency. These documents are necessary and is required in all recruitment agencies mandated by the POEA. Some of the documents/ tasks that you need to perform are: medical exam, drug test, PDOS (Pre-departure Orientation Seminar), POEA Attestation/Declaration, etc.

Once you completed all these requirements, you will be provided a ticket to the host country. Make sure to always bring your OFW card that POEA will give you.