Do you want to earn a bigger salary? If you answered yes, then surely, working overseas came across your mind. After all, you’ll be earning in dollars and be able to juggle more than one job for bigger savings. Plus, you get to “travel” and finally see places you only see on TV.
Apparently, it’s not easy. When you work overseas, you need to consider various factors and negotiate your one-way ticket overseas to your advantage without compromising that of your employer.
What are these things you need to negotiate first? Check this list:
1. Compensation
Admit it. The primary reason why you want to work overseas is because of the salary. In fact, you wouldn’t even bother going abroad if you could earn your desired amount in the Philippines.
Before you say “Yes,” ask about the compensation package – how much is your take-home pay, any deductions to your salary, and taxes, if any. This way, you can check whether or not working abroad is worth the sacrifice.
At this point, you need to make an estimate as to how much your expenses will be. Research as much as you can about your job site to help you prepare for the expenses and find out how much is left for savings and investment.
2. Work Contract
This is important. Your work contract is considered the Bible between you and your employer because it contains the most important information and clauses surrounding your employment. The Overseas Employment Contract will act as a guide pertaining to your employment.
Don’t hesitate to ask about the following:
- Location or Job Site – Is it safe? What is the crime rate? Will you be assigned in places other than what was stated in your work contract?
- Accommodation – Free living quarters versus finding a house on your own versus rented place paid by employer
- Transportation – Will your employer provide free shuttle services to and from work or will you avail of the public transport?
- Duration of the contract
- Job description
- Leave benefits – How many vacation leaves per year? Are you entitled to Sick and Emergency Leaves? Will your employer pay your ticket back home? How much can you encash for unused leave credits?
- Insurance benefits – Will you be given adequate protection abroad such as life, health, travel, or accident insurance? If yes, who will pay for the insurance premium? Will the payment be via salary deduction?
In other words, your work contract contains essential provisions that ensure you are safe and well taken cared for while abroad. Read the fine print and don’t hesitate to ask questions and make clarifications. Once you and your employer signed the contract, it’s a done deal and you lose you right to negotiate.
You can learn more about Overseas Employment Contract by reading this post.
3. Work Permit / Visa
This is another essential requirement. When you work overseas, the recruitment agency must provide you with a work visa and NOT a tourist visa. If you were given a tourist visa, it means your stay in that particular country is not legitimate and there is a higher chance of getting deported, which you surely don’t want to happen.
Therefore, check whether or not you will be issued a work visa or permit. Employer usually handles this, especially when the country of destination requires specific permits, while there are others who will simply assist you.
Consequently, inquire about the validity and coverage of the work permit visa. Some countries are employer-specific, which means you need to get another work visa in case you will transfer to a new employer.
4. Legal Remedies
You heard about Filipino workers getting maltreated, abused, and worse, killed. There are also many instances where Filipinos are unpaid, underpaid, or not paid at all. In other words, it’s not an ideal world and if the odds are not in your favor, then you might seek legal remedies to assert your rights.
Learn about the legal remedies available to Filipino workers working abroad. You’ll never know what will happen, so it is best to be prepared.