By definition, an Overseas Filipino Worker or OFW is a person who is to be engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a state of which he or she is not a citizen (land-based worker) or on board a vessels navigating the foreign seas, other than a government ship used for military or non-commercial purposes, or on an installation located offshore or on the high seas (seafarer).
At present, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos are seeking for greener pastures to be able to provide a better life and future for the family. If you are one of them, then you deserve a pat on the back for the sacrifice you are willing to make.
Nonetheless, take note of these prohibited acts as provided for by law:
1. Direct hiring or workers being hired directly by employers for overseas employment is NOT allowed to ensure the best working terms and conditions for all workers. Nonetheless, members of diplomatic corps and international organizations are allowed to hire workers directly. Also, name hirees or workers who were able to secure an employment contract on their own is allowed, but you still need to go through POEA for processing of requirements.
2. Travel agencies and sales agencies of airline companies are NOT allowed to recruit workers for overseas employment. Do not course any job application from them. Consequently, recruitment agencies whose license was cancelled or revoked are also not allowed to recruit workers.
3. No fees, including placement fee and documentation costs, must be charged to the worker UNLESS there is already an existing and signed employment contract. Consequently, such fees must be supported by receipts showing the amount paid. If you are asked to pay a specific amount when you apply for a job, then chances are that agency is a scam.
4. Manning agencies shall not charge any fee from seafarer applicants for recruitment and placement services. These expenses shall be shouldered by foreign shipping principals.
5. Collecting money for payment of processing fee of application is NOT allowed.
6. Compulsory and exclusive arrangement with a particular clinic or hospital for medical examination of the applicant-worker is not allowed.
7. Compulsory and exclusive arrangement with a particular lender or financial institution where the applicant-worker can borrow money for loan is also not allowed.
8. Compulsory and exclusive arrangement with a particular training institution, school, entity, or person where applicant-worker is required to attend is also not allowed. Nonetheless, seafarers are allowed to attend recommendatory trainings mandated by principal or shipowners with costs to be shouldered by the employers themselves.
9. Never accept salary that is below the minimum wage prescribed in the host country or in the Philippines, whichever is the highest.
10. The licensed recruitment agency is responsible for the payment of the premium for the compulsory insurance coverage. In fact, this insurance coverage is mandatory, otherwise, no employment certificate will be issued to you. You can learn more about OFW Compulsory Insurance here.
It is imperative that you are vigilant when it comes to applying for a job overseas. Get to know the recruitment agency before you submit your loan application and do not trust them easily. Lastly, check the recruitment agency if it has an existing license to operate through POEA website. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
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