Dreaming of working abroad but worried you cannot afford the upfront costs? You are not alone. Many Filipinos want to find better-paying jobs overseas but hesitate because they believe they need large savings to get started.
The good news is that legitimate overseas employment opportunities may be available without paying recruitment or placement fees, depending on the applicable rules and job arrangement. The key is knowing where to look, how to verify job offers, and how to avoid illegal recruiters before you spend your hard-earned money.
No savings? You can still look for jobs abroad. Many people think they must pay a big fee first. They don’t. Here is a safe way to start.
Know What “No Fee” Means
The rules are on your side. The UN’s labor agency, the ILO, says workers should never pay recruitment fees or related costs. In the Philippines, the DMW caps a placement fee at one month of pay. Domestic workers pay none, and neither do workers bound for countries that ban fees.
Qatar is one of them. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac says the DMW bans any fee for agency services, even if the agency calls it a “processing fee.”
Choose Your Route
Some routes cost less. Korea’s Employment Permit System is a hiring program between two governments. The DMW says real programs like it need no middleman. For private hiring, find a licensed no placement fee agency. Check the DMW agency list. Then ask to see the approved job order.
Ask About Every Cost
“No placement fee” may not mean “no cost.” Even a good no placement fee recruitment agency may pass on some costs. ICIJ found that agencies can charge workers for training and medical exams, and they often overcharge. Ask for a list of costs in writing. The DMW says to pay only at the agency’s office and get an official receipt.
Do Not Borrow Your Way In
Debt makes zero savings worse. ICIJ found lenders charging 61% to 578% a year. Interest above 8% a year on placement fee loans is illegal. Kate Hooper of the Migration Policy Institute notes that many migrant workers “begin their journeys in debt.”
In the case that an agency pushes a loan, walk away and report it.
You don’t need savings to start. You need clear rules, a written cost list, and a licensed overseas employment agency. Take it one step at a time.
Start Your Overseas Job Search with Confidence
You don’t need to risk your savings or take on debt to pursue work abroad. EDI-Staffbuilders International, Inc. helps Filipino workers explore legitimate overseas employment opportunities and navigate the recruitment process.
Take your first step toward a better future by connecting with a trusted partner. Contact us today.
