The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reminds those who are aspiring to be Overseas Filipino Workers must use proper work visas instead of tourist visa.
Hans Leo Cacdac, POEA Administrator said that if a foreign worker tries to work without the right employment document, they will be at risk for exploitation by their employers. Without the proper documents, they will be only working illegally and will be subject to crackdowns.
Before leaving the country, OFWs are required to have proper work permit or visa in accordance with the country they will be working in before they even leave the country. OFWs must be mindful against offers of some recruiters saying that work will be readily available upon arrival in the country if they are only using tourist visas.
Dubai had been sited as one of the most go to destination for those Filipinos who uses tourist visas, but are actually aiming to find a work. Cacdac also shared that finding job in Dubai is actually hard and its visa expires in just one month. With such a limited time, Filipinos will be pressured ti succumb in any contract they might find and will be subject to emotional and physical abuse.
OFWs are reminded to be mindful of illegal recruiters and human traffickers in ASEAN countries as visas are not really required in these countries. It is very important to have proper work documents. Make sure that the work contract and visa had been submitted to POEA to have exit clearance.
Strict procedures are being implemented by Bureau of Immigration and compliance is expected from those leaving the country as OFWs.
