Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are considered the modern heroes in the Philippines because of their sacrifice to be away from their families just to give them a better life. And it’s just right to give every OFWs  security and assistance especially when they are miles away from home.

Every OFWs and their families must know the following hotline numbers in case of emergency.

• To report an illegal recruiter and suspicious acts of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration licensed agencies: 722-1144/55 (POEA)

• To know about OWWA services and offers for OFWs and repatriated OFWs: 833-6992/551-1560 (OWWA) 

• To know about passport processing. travel/employment advisories for OFWs, embassies and consulates call Department of Foreign Affairs: 556-0000

• To report an abusive employer in your host country, cal MIGRANTE Middle East/North Africa: 0932-3995952

Click Here to See the Complete List of Embassies and Consulates Around the World

Reminder to Applicants:

Be a wise jobseeker by knowing the legal process of overseas job application and your right as an applicant. Keep in mind the tips below:

• You are not supposed to pay any application fee. Application forms and other application documents should be for free. An agency would only be allowed to request 50% of the placement fee amount once you have been selected by an employer and signed an employment contract

• A medical examination is done only after an applicant is hired. It only has a validity of 3 months so it should not be required at the star tof the application process.

• Do not submit original documents to the agency. You will present the original documents but only the photocopies of the original documents should be given to the agency. Your documents such as passport, birth certificate etc, are personal property so you should be allowed to keep it.

Tips When Sending an Overseas Job Application

Create a well-written resume by making sure that your qualifications and related work experiences are stated clearly. If you are sending an online application, make sure that your resume is 100% complete and you have uploaded a good picture. Your online resume should also be loaded with important keywords (Ex. for nurses, important keywords are OR nurses, dialysis nurses, etc. ER nurses) related to your job so it will be more searchable by agencies and employers.

Make sure that your Philippine passport is still valid for at least six months. This is a basic requirement if you want to work overseas. Some agencies would not even view resumes of applicants without a valid passport.

Do not hesitate to ask for more information about a certain job opening so you know what you are getting yourself into. The agency that posted the job opening can provide you the information you need

The book, Work Abroad “Filipinos’ Guide to Working and Succeeding Overseas,” focuses on the how-to’s of overseas job hunting from resume-writing, interview tips, and requirements guide. Written with the welfare of the OFWs in mind, the book is filled with helpful tips and relevant information that will simplify job-hunting and ensure the success of OFWs. – WorkAbroad.ph