Going to work abroad? Don't leave as tourist – POEA
MANILA, Philippines – If you're going to work abroad, make sure you're not going on a tourist visa. The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) emphasized this message in a press statement issued on March 12. (READ: Iglesia ni Cristo and POEA partner vs illegal recruitment)
"Foreign workers without proper employment documents cannot work legally in any country and are a constant target of crackdowns. They are more prone to exploitation by employers," POEA chief Hans Leo Cacdac said. (READ: Domestic worker recruiters need Facebook account – POEA)
The proper documents should be obtained before even leaving the country. He warned OFWs not to accept job offers if they are asked to leave using tourist visas, even with assurance from the recruiter that they will find a job when they arrive.
Cacdac said they should not be swayed by illegal recruiters.
He warned those looking to work in Dubai, a favorite destination among OFWs, that “it is not easy to find work in Dubai." He added, "Holding a visit visa which will expire in a month, the worker could be pressured to agree to a substandard employment contract and submit to physical and emotional abuse just to have a work visa.”
Cacdac said that even if you are going to work in the ASEAN region, where a visitor visa is not required, proper clearance should still be obtained.
"The legal way is to obtain an employment contract and employment visa or work permit and submit them to the POEA for processing and issuance of exit clearance," Cacdac said. – Rappler.com
