The Philippine Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) warned jobseekers in the Philippines against accepting job offers in Saudi Arabia using visit visas. Apparently, Sawary Marketing and Development Group, a company in KSA recruits Filipino staff for various supermarkets there but does not issue working permits to hired workers.

Consul General Pendosina N. Lomondot said “Unless you are looking for trouble, don’t attempt to come to work in Saudi Arabia without a work visa.”

To ensure the legality of an overseas job offer, inquire with POEA or call their hotlines at 722-1144 or 722-1155

The Language Skills Institute of TESDA is offering free classes in English, Korean, and Spanish language. The schedule of training are the following:

English- September 3 – October 5, 2007
Korean- August 27 - September 21, 2007
Mandarin- August 27 - September 21, 2007
Spanish- September 3 - November 20, 2007

Classes are from Monday to Friday at TESDA Complex, Taguig City.
Morning class: 8:00 a.m to 12:00 noon ; Afternoon class: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m
To view the list of requirements, please visit the website of  POEA or inquire to the nearest TESDA-NCR District Office . Bring 3 pcs. 1 x 1 photo.

The Saudi Ministry of Health and the POEA is in search of at least 5,000 Filipino nurses to fill up the nursing shortage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Of these, 300-500 Muslim nurses will be deployed to the holy cities.

Those without hospital experience may qualify as the Saudi government will provide on-the-job training. For more information, please visit www.poea.gov.ph

Filipino workers wishing to work in Malaysia may take note of the following in demand job openings in the country:

• IT and related skills are needed in Penang, Johore and Kuala Lumpur
• Skilled worker for construction and shipbuilding are in demand in Johore
• Casino workers and entertainers are needed in Genting Highlands Hotels

OWWA has launched the search for the 2007 Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA) which for this year will focus on successful family relations.

The nomination and selection of awardees will start in October at the regional level. In November, three of the finalists will be chosen as national champions representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The three big winners will receive cash prizes of P200,000, vacation trip packages, laptop units plus other exciting prizes. Visit OWWA’s website for more information.