There are more job opportunities in Puerto Rico for Filipinos than you can ever imagine. There are a lot of tasks that you can do as long as you have a good skill set – from the mundane process of cleaning to full technical support.
Puerto Rico is home to several major multinational companies, and the island’s job market is vibrant. It has proved to be an attractive place for Americans wanting to retire and for businesses relocating their operations or setting up a new presence on the island. It has a strong tax incentive program that welcomes foreign investors. In addition, Puerto Rico’s workforce industry is diverse, with numerous job opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, finance, and manufacturing, among others.
This article will explain how Filipinos can look for work in Puerto Rico. Learn about the services that are out there for foreigners to help them find a job in Puerto Rico.
Table of Contents
Requirements
Just click on this link to go to the website, where you can see a list of the documents you need to complete.
Qualifications
Applicants must have finished high school and be at least 23 years old. A person must be both physically and mentally fit to work.
Important Steps
Finding jobs in Puerto Rico for Filipinos can be a tough task. So, check out these steps on how to search for jobs in Puerto Rico for Filipinos.
I. Job Search
Job searching in Puerto Rico can be tough. There aren’t many employment websites catering to job hunters from the Philippines. Here are some sites where you can find employment opportunities in Puerto Rico.
Monster
https://www.monster.com/jobs/l-puerto-rico?page=1
A monster is a place of work that is always changing. They try to be innovative by connecting employers and job seekers. The company works hard to improve the lives of both clients and employees.
To search using this website, you may follow the steps below.
1. Click the link above. This page will appear.
2. In the search bar on the left, enter the job you are looking for. Then, click the search icon. In this case, I entered ‘Marketing’.
3. Search results using the keyword of the job you entered will be shown to you.
Indeed
https://www.indeed.com/l-Puerto-Rico-jobs.html?vjk=e07f23f86ddcf3c3
Indeed is the number one job site in the world, and it gets more than 300 million unique visitors every month. Indeed puts job seekers first by letting them search for jobs, post resumes, and learn about companies for free.
Indeed is a free service for people looking for work. You can upload your resume, sign up for job alert emails, search for jobs, save them, and apply directly to them.
Please follow the steps below to search for jobs using this website.
1. Click the link above to redirect you to the website.
2. In the ‘What’, enter the job that you are looking for and click ‘Find jobs’.
3. You will be shown results based on your search. Click on the job posts and follow the additional instructions shown to you by the website.
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/jobs-in-puerto-rico?position=1&pageNum=0
LinkedIn is a social networking site that was made for people in business. The site’s goal is to let registered users build and keep track of professional networks of people they know and trust.
1. Click the link above to proceed to the website.
2. On the search bar, enter the job title or position. Click the search button to continue.
3. You will be shown results based on your search.
DMW Website
https://www.dmw.gov.ph/approved-job-orders
The Department of Migrant Workers (abbreviated as DMW in Filipino and known as Kagawaran ng Manggagawang Mandarayuhan) is the executive branch of the Philippine government in charge of promoting the welfare of OFWs and their families and defending their legal rights.
1. Click the link above to bring you to the website.
2. Scroll down until you see a search bar. Enter ‘Puerto Rico’ .
3. You will be shown results based on the job site that you have searched. As of now, there is no job post for jobs in Puerto Rico.
II. Getting a Work Permit
A Work Permit is needed for anyone who is not a citizen of Puerto Rizo but wants to work on the island. This takes outsiders into account who:
- Have a home in Puerto Rico
- Own a company that is registered in Puerto Rico
- Have gotten the right to live n Puerto Rico
- Want to work part-time or only for a short time?
There are a few steps to getting permission to work in Puerto Rico.
The steps to getting a work permit for Puerto Rico:
Step 1. Getting an Application Form for a Work Permit.
The Department of Labor Relations will give you a “A” Form.
Send the filled-out “A” Form and EC$100 to the Government Treasury Office to get a “Treasury Receipt.”
Take the Treasury Receipt back to the Department of Labour Relations to get the Work Permit Application Form.
Step 2. Fill out the Work Permit Application Form and bring it with the following to a Work Permit Officer at the Department of Labor Relations:
- A Certificate of Character (Police Record) from the country where a foreigner last lived.
- Proof of qualifications that is official and in writing
- Puerto Rico Trade License (applicable only for foreigners who have a company in Puerto Rico)
- Copies of ads for the job they are applying for Proof that they have paid their income tax
- One passport-size photograph
III. Preparation for Going to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico offers so much to do and see that anyone moving there for the first time as an ex-pat may become overwhelmed.
Here are a few suggestions to help you organize your move to Puerto Rico for work.
Puerto Rico is a part of the United States.
Many people might not understand where Puerto Rico stands politically right now. It is a part of the United States, but not a state. Its official language is Spanish, but many people speak English (especially in tourist areas). The dollar is the currency, as it is in all U.S. territories.
Know why and what you want to do when you go to Puerto Rico.
The main types of tourism in Puerto Rico are leisure and outdoor adventure.
Want to take it easy at the beach? Spend time at a Rio Grande resort? Want to surf in Rincon? Ecotourism and Adventures in the Outdoors? Diving? Sailing? Culture and history of Spain? All of this and more are possible.
Old San Juan is the oldest city in the United States. El Yunque is the only rainforest in the U.S. that is protected by the government.
There are a dry forest, a dwarf forest, and the largest cave network in the western hemisphere all within an hour’s drive of each other. If you like exploring caves, Puerto Rico is the place to go.
Did you know that Puerto Rico is known as the world’s rum capital? You know what this means: going out a lot at night to enjoy a lively nightlife.
Find out when you can go to Puerto Rico and what to bring.
The island is at latitude 18N, so it always has tropical weather (highs in the 90s, lows in the 70s). Awesome, eh?
So, you should bring swimsuits, flip-flops, sunglasses, and sunscreen when you pack (among other things).
Hikers and people who like to explore the outdoors should wear hiking boots and a rain jacket. Style is what’s in for a night out.
The best time to visit the island is between March and August, which is late spring and summer. In the winter, beaches are full of algae, and late summer and early fall are the height of hurricane season.
Find out how you can get around in Puerto Rico.
Let’s be honest: Puerto Rico’s public transportation stinks! You will need to rent a car unless you stay at a resort that will take you wherever you want to go or you only plan to stay in Old San Juan and Condado.
Are you going to walk around?
The only pedestrian-friendly cities in the metro area are Old San Juan, Condado, and the old part of Rio Piedras.
You can easily get from one to the other by Uber or taxi, and then you can walk around on your own.
Sadly, none of the other towns and cities on the island were built with walking in mind. Also, if you walk for three minutes in the hot sun, you’ll wish you were inside a car with air conditioning.
There is one useful rail line called Tren Urbano, but it mostly serves people who live in the suburbs of San Juan.
So, how do you get to those other lovely places on the island? You’ll have to either rent a car or go on a tour.
If you want to go on a tour, I suggest you look here for the best tours on the island. Check out DiscoverCars and Expedia if you want to rent a car because they have some of the best deals.
Know your finances.
Puerto Rico is not cheap, but you can still visit the island on a budget.
You can find cheap places to stay, which are usually called “paradores” and are run by the government in a rustic style, but they can still cost $100 or more per night.
Vrbo is another popular choice, and if you want to save money, you can look on TripAdvisor for the best-rated hotels on the island and their latest deals.
Most beach shacks, mountain kiosks, and local markets have cheap food (around $5–$10 per meal). I think Piones and Los Kioskos de Luquillo have some of the best and cheapest local fritters on the island.
Most restaurants cost between $12 and $25 per meal, which is about the same as other places in the U.S. The more you move away from the city and into the countryside, the cheaper things get.
Do’s and Don’ts in Puerto Rico
Here are some do’s and don’ts that I think are useful for Filipinos working in Puerto Rico.
DO’s
- Do keep in mind that there is still a pandemic going on around the world. Keep locals and other people safe by wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance from them, and testing often.
- Don’t come with closed thoughts. You might see things you’ve never seen before. This could be a chance to learn something new.
- Be kind and interested. Don’t judge something if you don’t know the whole story. You can always ask questions to learn more.
- Do your work before the test. Learn as much as you can about Puerto Rico’s rich and complicated history, both in the past and in the present, and be ready to face uncomfortable truths. This list of resources can help you get ready for your visit.
- Do watch how people in the area act and/or dress and act the same way to show you care.
- Don’t make noise when everyone else is doing the same. You might be staying in a place where people from the area also live. When you party and make loud noises until late at night, you wake up people who need and deserve to sleep.
- Do be respectful. Puerto Rico is the oldest colony in the world, and its relationship with the United States has caused it a lot of harm that hasn’t been acknowledged or fixed. This hurts us, the people who live there. In 2017, for example, President Donald Trump said he would “sell” Puerto Rico. This was right after he threw paper towels as a response to the terrible effects of Hurricane Maria. After 124 years of being ruled by the US as a colony, we are still mad at how the US government treats us, and rightly so.
- Do not go into places where people tell you that you are not welcome.
- Help the economy where you live. Check out this list of places you can go to that are owned by people in your area. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel chain or an Airbnb, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. You can look at this list, which has some great choices.
- Do get ready for rain and hot weather Most of the year, Puerto Rico is pretty hot and humid, so when we go there, we bring clothes that can breathe. A light rain jacket is also a good idea if you don’t like getting wet. Even in the summer, it rains almost every afternoon. Also, I stopped trying to take my hair dryer or flat iron. You can’t avoid the humidity. Check the weather forecast every time you plan something to do. And have a backup plan if it rains. We try to go exploring before 2 p.m., which is when it tends to rain. So, if it starts to rain, we’ll already be somewhere eating lunch.
DON’Ts
- Don’t be one of those rude tourists who doesn’t care about the local culture or laws. Don’t write on important cultural buildings, don’t throw trash around, and don’t hurt the environment.
- Don’t think that eating Puerto Rican food will help you lose weight. Don’t worry about having any regrets.
- Don’t think you’ll be able to ballroom dance here. Don’t think that every time you hear bomba, plena, salsa, or reggaeton, your body will start to move on its own.
- Don’t expect the air to smell like roses and lilacs. Don’t be surprised if the smell of gardenias, frangipanis, and a whole host of other tree-borne flowers you’ve never heard of but will likely never forget makes you feel drunk.
- Don’t think that you can just dive headfirst into the Puerto Rican way of life. Do it anyway.
- Don’t think that you’ll be happy when you go. Don’t be surprised if you want to return.
- Don’t think you’ll see a Puerto Rican boa or hear a Puerto Rican woodpecker or a Puerto Rican Black Cowled Oriole’s beautiful song while you’re here. Do expect to be blown away by their beauty if you get the chance to see them.
- Don’t expect to see more than a small part of the island’s 3,500 square miles and 11,000 or more attractions, unique experiences, and points of interest. Don’t be surprised if you have to make a lot of hard decisions before you give up and plan another trip.
IV. Arrival in Puerto Rico
1. Safety at the airport
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is in charge of all airport security checkpoints, and the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) has improved its programs to make it easier for international travelers to get in.
Flights within the US
When people from the U.S. fly to Puerto Rico, they land on the lower level of the airport and have to walk a few steps to Terminals A or B to get their bags. The passengers then leave the airport and go to the public area to find a ride.
Transportation
Car rentals
If you want to drive around the Island on your own, there are about 14 different car rental companies at the airport that can meet your needs and the reason for your trip. This can be set up before your visit or when you get there.
Public buses and taxis
When you leave the airport through Terminals B and C, you can find taxis. Its main station is on the Arrivals Level of Terminal A. There are taxi dispatchers at the airport who tell people how much their rides will cost. The Departure Level of Terminals A and D is where you can find the Metropolitan Bus Authority buses.
Rideshare
At the designated area on the ground floor of Terminals A and B, ridesharing services like Uber can pick you up.
2. What You Need to Know: About the Island
As of March 10, the following changes have been made to Covid’s rules for operations on the island: Since August 1, people who go to indoor or outdoor events with more than 1,000 people must show proof that they have been vaccinated, which includes the first one or two doses and the boosters.
Mask Usage
On all public transportation, including ferries to and from Vieques and Culebra, it’s a good idea to wear a mask. Masks are no longer required on the Island, except for big events with more than 1,000 people. But they are recommended when the status of vaccinations can’t be known for sure.
Beaches, natural reserves, and marinas are open to the public. This is in line with recommendations for social distance. Visitors should talk to tour operators directly to find out more about the status of operations and specific rules.
Lodging
Guests do not need to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result when they arrive at hotels, paradores, guesthouses, and short-term rentals across the Island. However, each property has the right to take its measures. Visitors should contact their place of stay directly to find out more about how things are running and how to follow certain rules.
Dining
Diners don’t have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test when they go out to eat. Places of business are running at full capacity.
Businesses and other places of business
Masks are not required in private or public places unless there are more than 1,000 people at an event. But they are recommended when the status of vaccinations can’t be known for sure. Establishments have the right to make customers and employees wear masks.
Frequently Asked Questions
As everyone knows, job-hunting is tough. Especially in a foreign country, it can be a more challenging and stressful experience due to cultural differences, language barriers, and more. Here are some of the most differences. This can even deter one from finding the perfect job and optimum satisfaction. Below are frequently asked questions regarding how to search for jobs in Puerto Rico as a Filipino.
1. Can I get a job in Puerto Rico if I don’t speak Spanish?
Many individuals in Puerto Rico are bilingual. Puerto Ricans frequently travel to and from the U.S. for family and work reasons, and English and American culture are widely embraced. Without the ability to speak Spanish, many people who reside in Puerto Rico can get by just well.
2. Where do most expats live in Puerto Rico?
Most expats settle in San Juan, the island’s capital, or Ponce, its second-largest city, in the south. Public transportation, or “carros publicos,” makes it possible to get anywhere on the island, including outlying regions.
3. Do workers in Puerto Rico pay into Social Security?
No, but employers in Puerto Rico have to pay taxes to the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), which includes taxes for Social Security and Medicare, and the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA).
4. How long do you have to live in Puerto Rico to be a resident?
The term “resident individual” means a person who lives in Puerto Rico. A person should be considered a resident of Puerto Rico if they have been there for 183 days or more during the year.
5. What is the minimum salary in Puerto Rico?
The Minimum Wage Act, Act No. 47-2021, has been signed into law by Puerto Rico. It will raise the minimum wage on the island from $7.25 to $8.50 on January 1, 2022.
Summary
To be sure, OFW jobs aren’t for everyone, but if you are thinking about working abroad and are considering a DMW job in Puerto Rico, take the first step of doing your research to make the most informed decision.
Searching for information online is an amazing way to learn and discover new things. There are different ways how you can search, from broad to very specific. Hoping that through this article, you have found what you are looking for.