The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) took an initiative to make the process of applying for a job a lot easier and more convenient. With POEA’s website, one can browse, click and apply. You can find legit job offers and employers on the website since it is checked and updated by POEA frequently.
It is important that you go through the proper channels when applying for a job abroad. This is to avoid becoming a victim of illegal recruiters and human trafficking syndicates. POEA’s website can be your trusted source of information when looking for a job overseas.
Please follow the guidelines below on how you can search for a job online via POEA website and send your application.
Table of Contents
Qualifications
To start, you must know if you are qualified to go abroad. Nonetheless, minimum age criteria have been established: all OFWs must be over the age of 18, and at least 23 years old to be eligible for domestic work.
Requirements
- PSA Birth Certificate
- NSO Marriage Contract (for a married woman)
- Certification from National Commission of Muslim Filipinos (for Muslim Applicants)
- Transcript of Records and diploma – authenticated by DepED or CHED
- Training Certificates from TESDA or TESDA-accredited centers
- PEOS Certificate
- 2 pieces 2×2 pictures
- Certificate of Employment (at least 2 years of experience)
- Passport
- PRC License and Board Exam Rating, if applicable
- Postgraduate diploma (if applicable)
- Active Email Address
Process on How to Apply for a POEA Job for Abroad
Here is the comprehensive guide on applying for a POEA job abroad.
1. Register at POEA website
You need to register on the POEA website first before anything else. To register, follow the steps below.
1. Type in “POEA e-Registration” on the search engine (Google Chrome, Opera Mini, Brave Browser, etc.) available on your device. You may also click this link to redirect you to the site: https://onlineservices.poea.gov.ph/OnlineServices/Public/CreateAccount.aspx.
2. After reading the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement, click “I Accept the Terms of Use” on the blue rectangle to proceed.
3. Read the “PAALALA” and “BABALA” first.
Here is the summary of the reminders and warnings.
- Make sure that the email is active and can receive a mail.
- Double check the information you have entered. Make sure that it is correct.
- Don’t register again if you have an existing POEA e-registration account just because you didn’t receive any confirmation email.
- If you have any concerns, click this link and make a ticket: https://onlineservices.poea.gov.ph/OnlineServices/Public/OFWTickets.aspx.
- Then, enter your personal details: First, Middle and Last Name, Date of Birth and active email address. Then click “Register.
4. Check your email and click the confirmation link to activate your account. Try using Google Chrome to open the link. Copy from the email and paste it on Google Chrome.
5. Enter the password you’ll use to access your account.
6. Fill in the necessary information required by the website. Make sure that you entered the correct information so, you must double-check it.
7. Save your profile and proceed to jobhunting.
2. Look For a Job At POEA
To look for a job, follow the steps below.
1. Click this link to redirect you to the site: https://www.poea.gov.ph/cgi-bin/JobVacancies/jobsMenu.asp. You will be shown three links in which you can choose the type of searching you want to do. You can ‘Search Available Job Orders by Position,’ ‘Search Available Job Orders by Country’ and ‘Search Available Job Orders by Agency.’
2. You can also search for jobs in the POEA offices near you.
3. You can also check the POEA Government Placement Branch.
3. Send Your Application Details
You can submit your application to the POEA Branch or a recruitment agency. However, you can also transmit it via the POEA website. However, if you are applying to a POEA Government Placement Branch, you must first register.
1. When you’ve decided on a job, head to the POEA website. Click the “Apply Now” button on the POEA website.
2. Enter the details of where you wanted to be assigned and apply.
3. Wait for information on how to proceed with your application.
4. Get A PEOS Certificate
A Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) is a program for aspiring OFWs. This is a requirement for working in a foreign country. You will have a better understanding of the procedures and documentation requirements, as well as protection from illegal recruiters. You can do it in person or online at any POEA office.
1. Go to this website and choose the module you want to work on first: Profession and Skilled Workers or Domestic Workers. This is the link to the website: https://peos.poea.gov.ph/.
2. If you already have an account, just sign in. Create an account if you are not registered.
3. There are around 8 of them. You’d be viewing videos and flipping through slides. It’s quite simple.
4. There are tests after every module so read the content of the module. Don’t worry if you failed the test on your first try. You will be given unlimited chances to repeat the test.
5. Finish the eight modules to get a PEOS Certificate.
6. Print your PEOS Certificate.
5. POEA Fees
An aspiring OFW needs to pay these fees.
- Placement Fee (One Month Salary) is paid after contract signing to the agency. You don’t need to pay if you are a seafarer or a household worker.
- PhilHealth Insurance Premium – Php 2,400/year
- Pag-IBIG Contribution – Php 100.00/month
- Documentations Costs
- Police Clearance
- Passport
- Medical Exam
- Training Fees
6. POEA Job Process
Here are the steps of the recruitment process via POEA:
1. Submit your documentation after being contacted by an accredited POEA Agency or a POEA GPB.
2. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to sign the contract, carefully read the Employment Contract. Make sure you have all of your contact information, including your salary, tenure of employment, overtime compensation, and so on. Also, what occurs in emergency situations. It’s part of one of the POES Seminar’s modules. Sign in if you agree with all of the claims.
3. Have a medical examination at a DOH-approved clinic.
4. Attend an OWWA-accredited pre-departure orientation and receive a certificate of attendance.
5. Send everything to the recruitment agency.
6. Make sure you have the following items before leaving:
- Employment Contract
- Overseas Employment Certificate
- Certificate of Attendance at a Pre-Departure Seminar
- Visas and passports
Note: These documents must be given to you prior to departure.
Video: POEA Website Portal Application Online
Check out this video below which features a Filipino sharing some tips on how you can apply for a job abroad through the POEA website and avoid illegal recruiters. This features an easy-to-understand process on how you can go to the online portal of POEA. Please be guided below:
Here are some videos to serve as your guide aside from this article.
This video is a guide in registering in POEA e-registration:
This is a guide for searching for jobs on the POEA website.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about applying for a job abroad, these FAQs might help you.
1. How much is the processing fee in POEA for direct hire?
Here are the processing fees:
- POEA Processing – 100 USD
- OWWA Membership – 25 USD
- Medicare – ₱1,200.00
- Pag-IBIG Fund – ₱100.00
2. Can you work abroad without agency?
No employer can hire an overseas Filipino worker directly for work in another country. There are still some organizations that are permitted to hire Filipino workers. International organizations are among those who are excluded from the immediate prohibition on recruiting.
3. What is a POEA clearance?
POEA travel exit clearance is a document granted by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration to OFWs who leave the Philippines for work purposes, regardless of their visa status. The following forms of travel clearance are available: Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) – given during manual processing.
4. Can a foreign employer hire a Filipino worker directly for overseas employment?
“No employer shall directly hire an overseas Filipino worker for overseas employment,” according to the Memorandum Circular unless the employer is a member of the diplomatic corps, a member of an international organization, a head of state, or a government official with a rank of at least deputy minister, or in other cases.
5. What is approved job order?
If a job posting has an approved job order, it means that a company is already interested in interviewing and hiring you.
6. What is job order in POEA?
The POEA receives job orders or requests for workers. The job order is attested by the Philippine Embassy or the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in the location. Employment orders serve as the foundation for the agency’s or the POEA’s overseas job listings.
7. Which country has the most job opportunities for Filipino?
- Canada
- Australia
- United States
- Untied Arab Emirates
- New Zealand
8. Can you work abroad without a visa?
All Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are required to have an OEC before travelling for or returning to work under the laws and regulations of the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
9. How long does the OFW contract last?
Contract duration – This would begin with the employee’s departure from the country and would end with the employee’s arrival at the place of employment. This should also mention the length of the contract, such as two years, three years, or five years.
10. Can I get OEC without a verified contract?
A validated employment contract is the most important requirement for the issue of an OEC. Verification is a service that can only be provided by the POLO, not the Embassy.
Summary
Applying for a job abroad takes a lot of effort and determination. Thankfully, POEA helps us in making our application easier and more manageable. Through the making of their website, we are provided with a lot of opportunities in going abroad at the comfort of our home.
Becoming an OFW is challenging; you will go to another country without any friends and acquaintances, making it hard to adjust and you will encounter much more. Always think a thousand times if you can handle the challenges of being an OFW.