Tips for a Safe and Legitimate Job Application Process:
Research Country-Specific Requirements
- Always verify requirements through official government websites or agencies. These platforms provide accurate and updated information tailored to the country you are applying to.
Verify the Recruitment Agency
- Ensure that the recruitment agency you are dealing with is licensed and legitimate. To check an agency’s credibility:
- Look for its license or accreditation on the official website of the country’s labor department or regulatory body. How to check? Read here.
- Read reviews and testimonials from other applicants.
- Avoid agencies that ask for upfront payments before providing valid documents.
Protect Your Passport
Your passport is your most critical document for international travel and employment. Follow these tips to keep it safe:
- Store it in a secure, dry place to prevent damage or loss.
- Use a protective cover to avoid wear and tear.
- Do not allow anyone to tamper with or mutilate your passport, as this could render it invalid and delay your application process.
- Make sure there are no tear or writing on any pages of your passport
- Make photocopies or digital scans of your passport as a backup in case of emergencies.
Secure All Documents
Keep copies of all application-related documents, and store the originals in a safe and accessible place to avoid loss or damage.
Beware of Scams and Illegal Recruiters
DO NOT FALL FOR ONLINE SCAMS. Protect yourself from illegal recruiters by following these guidelines:
Applying for jobs is always FREE. Legitimate agencies or employers will not ask for payment during the application process.
- INTERVIEWS ARE FREE!
- Payment is only required after receiving a valid work visa and when your flight details are confirmed.
- Pay only at the office of the requirement agency, or the official bank account of the agency (not individual account or GCASH
- Always ask for receipts
DMW Rules on Placement Fees for OFWs?
As regulated by law, POEA-licensed recruitment agencies are authorized to collect placement fees. This fee serves as compensation for their successful assistance in securing overseas employment for Filipino workers. However, strict guidelines are in place to ensure fairness and transparency:
- Maximum Fee: Placement fees must not exceed one month’s salary for the job offered abroad.
- Collection Timing: Fees are collected only after the OFW signs the employment contract.
- Payment Flexibility: Workers can pay half initially and settle the balance upon receiving their plane ticket and travel documents before deployment
- Exemptions: Domestic workers/ HSW and OFWs hired under government-to-government arrangements are exempt from placement fees. Countries with NO PLACEMENT FEES are
- USA (for workers under H2B visa),
- Netherlands,
- Ireland,
- United Kingdom (UK), and
- some some parts of Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan).
- Qatar
- Norway
- New Zealand
Fees Paid by workers/ OFWS
The following must be paid the aspiring OFW’s when applying abroad
- Passport
- NBI/Police/Baranggay Clearance
- NSO Authenticated Birth Certificate / Marriage Certificate / CENOMAR
- Transcript of Record and Diploma issued by the school, certified by the CHED and authenticated by the DFA
- Professional License issued by the PRC, authenticated by the DFA
- Certificate of Competency issued by TESDA or other competent certifying body for the job applied fir
- DOH Prescribed medical/health examination, based on the host country medical protocol
Membership with Philhealth, Pag-ibig and Social Security System
Fees paid by Foreign Employers
- Visa, including stamping fee
- Work Permit and resident permit
- Round Trip airfare
- Transportation from the airport to the jobsite
- POEA process fee or OEC
- OWWA membership fee
- Additional Trade Test/Assessment, if required by the employer
By following these precautions, you can ensure a smooth and safe job application process. Stay vigilant, informed, and proactive to protect yourself and your career opportunities.
