Filipinos working and living in United Arab Emirates (UAE) should make sure not to let the validity of their passports to expire by applying for a new one six months before the passport’s expiration date. This is the reminder of the Minister-Consul General in the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi, Noel Servigon.

Servigon said, “They must check the validity of their passport and renew them early if the validity date is less than six months.”

The reminder was issued so OFWs in UAE will avoid the hassles when they need to travel. This is because three to six months passport validity is the usual prerequisite of airlines and embassies for travel. Read more.

Don’t miss a chance to get your dream job. Start the New Year right by attending the following job fairs! You can even get hired on the spot! Take note of the following details

7th Metro JobFair 2009

When: January 22-24, 2009
Where: Megatrade Hall 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City

Manila Overseas Career and Livelihood Fair 2009

When: January 29-30, 2009
Where: Tutuban Mall Exhibit, Tutuban Center, Claro M. Recto Avenue Manila

The road towards overseas job opportunities seems brighter than ever for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) even as the world is feeling the effects of the financial crisis.

Queensland, an Australian province is another viable destination for OFWs as their aging population creates a problem of labor shortage. According to the institute director of the Metropolitan South Institute of Technical and Further Education, Linda Brown, Queensland would need around 120,000 skilled workers by 2010. Read more.

Demand for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is still great in the Middle East region as they are mostly unaffected with the global financial crisis. Employment opportunities are available for various professions

In lieu with this, Filipino workers of selected professions bound to Middle Eastern countries such as United Arab Emirates now have to go through a hands-on special training program.

As reported in Khaleej Times, an online news site, this is informed by Nasser Munder, labor attaché of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Munder said that the following need to undergo a training program: nurses, welders and chefs.

The labor attaché said the hands on training will involve the use of modern equipment. Munder said, “This time, the special training program will benefit the Filipino workers themselves.”

The hands-on” special training program which have been discussed with the secretary of Labor, Marianito Roque will start in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The first trainees will be Filipino college graduates who want to work in the Middle East.

According to the Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA), compared to other skilled workers, Filipino welders are sought after here in the Philippines and abroad.

Washington Agustin, TESDA Region 1 Director said that structural welders is the number one requirement of manpower both here and abroad.

He said that structural welders are highly in-demand in ship building industry and manufacturer of industrial tanks, including LPG (liquefied petroleum tanks).

Do you think you have a future as a welder? Check out the job profile of this in-demand occupation here.