Verify the status of your recruiter!

Check the status of the recruitment agency before going through the recruitment process. Compare recruitment agencies with each other using the MRA. Check the validity of the job offers of the recruitment agency through the POEA.

Do your research!

Check the POEA and other official sources of information. Check the reviews of recruitment agencies here at the MRA. Do not just rely on your family, friends or informal sources for information. The more information you have, the less likely you will be taken advantage of.

Sign a fair employment contract!

Read your contract carefully before signing. Discuss and negotiate the terms of your contract. Keep a copy of the signed contract with you. Do not sign a contract that you do not understand or agree with.

Know your rights!

Find out more about the labor laws in the country of your destination. Always keep a record of useful government and union contacts in case you encounter recruitment or employment problems.   

 

How to avoid illegal recruitment

 

Ø Do not apply at recruitment agencies not licensed by POEA.

Ø Do not deal with licensed agencies without job orders.

Ø Do not deal with any person who is not an authorized representative of a licensed agency.

Ø Do not transact business outside the registered address of the agency. If recruitment is conducted in the province, check if the agency has a provincial recruitment authority.

Ø Do not pay more than the allowed placement fee. It should be equivalent to one month salary, exclusive of documentation and processing costs.

Ø Do not pay any placement fee unless you have a valid employment contract and an official receipt.

Ø Do not be enticed by ads or brochures requiring you to reply to a Post Office (P.O.) Box, and to enclose payment for processing of papers.

Ø Do not deal with training centers and travel agencies, which promise overseas employment.

Ø Do not accept a tourist visa.

Ø Do not deal with fixers.

 

Source: POEA

 

Other useful resources:

Public Services International (PSI) has developed a comprehensive migrant pre-decision kit (downloadable at http://www.world-psi.org/en/philippines-pre-decision-booklet-labour-migration-health-workers) for Filipino health workers providing basic information on the facts, realities and issues concerning migration in the health sector. It is designed to help potential Filipino migrant health workers make an informed choice and to raise important issues related to ethical recruitment and health labor migration.

PSI has also developed pre-departure information kits for workers bound for Germany, Finland, Norway and Denmark. All these migrant kits are available at the PSI website (www.world-psi.org).