Illegal recruitment is defined as the act of recruiting individuals, usually for a fee, for local or foreign employment. Unlike regular jobs, individuals are victimized because:
- There is no job placement effected as opposed to what was advertised by the “recruiter;” or
- There is an actual job but the worker will be placed in an oppressive or exploitative conditions such as low salary, long work hours, or performing sexual acts.
According to the Department of Justice, in 2016, there are more than 1,500 illegal recruitment cases filed in the agency. Apparently, this does not yet include cases that are either dropped by the complaining or not reported at all.
You don’t want that to happen. This is why it is imperative that you check out these signs to ensure that you are a documented OFW:
Sign No. 1: Valid Passport
Your passport must be issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs only and no one else. Personal appearance is a must and don’t forget to schedule an appointment.
Sign No. 2: Working or Employment Visa or Permit
You cannot work overseas WITHOUT a valid working or employment visa. This signifies that you are permitted to work in a foreign country. This is valid for one or two years, or sometimes longer, depending on your contract.
If the agency gives you a tourist visa despite promising you an employment abroad, then be worried. There is a chance that a different kind of job is waiting for you there.
Sign No. 3: Contract Of Employment
Employment Contract is among the documents you need to submit to be able to process your overseas employment. It contains terms and information pertaining to your employment such as working hours, benefits, and termination.
Take note that the Contract of Employment must be processed by the POEA OR verified and registered on-site by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office or POLO.
READ: Overseas Employment Contract
Sign No. 4: Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar or PDOS Certificate
This is mandatory. All workers, whether first-time or re-hires must undergo Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar prior to leaving the country. This helps you prepare for your life overseas, as well as tips, guidelines, do’s and don’ts when abroad.
Once completed, you will be given a PDOS Certificate, which you need to keep and present when applying for OEC.
Sign No. 5: Overseas Employment Certificate Or OEC
This is another important document you need to secure to legitimize your status as OFW. The OEC serves as your Exit Clearance as well as exempts you from paying travel tax and airport terminal fees.
Normally, your recruitment agency will take care of this, so you don’t have to worry about this.
READ: Overseas Employment Certificate
Sign No. 6: OWWA, PAG-IBIG, and Philhealth Membership
Being an OFW means you are NOT exempt from mandatory government services. In fact, all OFWs are mandated to still be members of various government agencies for your benefit. Unfortunately, you have to pay for this from your own pocket since this is not included in agency fees.
These government agencies offer assistance and various benefits you can maximize to your advantage. They also offer loan facilities that are more affordable compared to banks, so make sure you are a member.
Good news! OWWA offers Rebate Program, which is another reason why you should be a member.
Sign No. 7: Philhealth Medical Insurance
Aside from the membership to various government agencies, OFWs must also have an insurance prior to departure.
The insurance covers various benefits like death, accident, disablement, repatriation, and medical among others. It may seem like an additional expense, but again, you’ll never know what will happen in the future, so it is best to be prepared.
Did you comply with all of these?