What is the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)?
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is the government agency that regulates and monitors the recruitment and deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The POEA ensures that all OFWs are given protection from abuse, exploitation, and other unfair labor practices. The POEA’s mission is to promote gainful employment opportunities for qualified Filipinos by providing comprehensive programs, guidelines, and services for overseas employment. It also ensures that all OFWs receive the wages, benefits, and working conditions mandated by Philippine labor laws. This article will discuss the critical role of the POEA in regulating overseas employment and protecting Filipino workers abroad.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is the government agency responsible for promoting and regulating the overseas employment of Filipino workers. It is also responsible for the registration and licensing of private recruitment agencies. It is also tasked with protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad.
The POEA was created by Presidential Decree No. 442, otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines. Its mandate is spelled out in Chapter XIII, Title I, Book III of Executive Order No. 247, which transferred the Bureau of Employment Services functions to the POEA. POEA was signed into law on May 1, 1974. The agency is attached to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for policy and program coordination.
The POEA has contracts with foreign employers in more than 200 countries to deploy Filipino workers. In 2019, there were 2.27 million OFWs deployed worldwide. The top destinations for OFW deployment are Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Oman.
Functions of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)?
The POEA implements programs and policies to protect and promote Filipino workers’ welfare abroad. Among its essential functions are:
1. Promoting and regulating overseas employment of Filipinos;
2. Protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of Filipino workers abroad.
3. Developing and maintaining a registry of licensed recruitment agencies and accredited principals/employers.
To carry out its mandate, the POEA has several programs and services for Filipino workers who wish to work abroad and foreign employers who want to hire Filipino workers. These include pre-employment orientation seminars, job fairs, skills training programs, financial assistance programs, etc.
The Different Types of POEA approved Jobs.
POEA-approved jobs:
POEA offers different jobs after ratifying it; here is the overview of all the jobs that POEA approves
There are three main POEA jobs: land-based, sea-based, and domestic.
Land-based jobs require the worker to be physically present in the country of employment. These include jobs in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, and other industries.
Sea-based jobs are those that involve working on a vessel at sea. These include positions such as deckhands, cooks, and engineers.
Domestic work is any job that takes place within the Philippines. This includes positions such as nannies, housekeepers, and drivers.
Pros and Cons of Working Overseas
There are pros and cons to working overseas, and it is essential to be aware of both before deciding to work abroad. Some of the pros of working overseas include the following:
1. Increased earnings potential. Generally, workers in developed countries earn more than those in developing countries. This is one of the main reasons why people choose to work overseas.
2. Access to better job opportunities. In many cases, people who work overseas have better job opportunities than they would if they remained in their home country.
3. Improved working conditions. In many cases, workers in developed countries enjoy better working conditions than those in developing countries. This can include factors such as safety, benefits, and job security.
Some of the cons of working overseas include the following:
1. Separation from family and friends. One of the main drawbacks of working overseas is being away from your loved ones for an extended time. This can be difficult to adjust to and can lead to feelings of homesickness and isolation.
2. Language barriers. Unless you are fluent in the language spoken in your country of employment, you may find it challenging to communicate with your co-workers and customers. This can make it difficult to do your job effectively and may lead to frustration and stress.
3 Cultural differences. Working in a country with a different culture can be a challenge, as you may not be familiar with
How to Apply for a POEA Job?
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is the government agency responsible for regulating overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). It is important to note that the POEA does not directly hire OFWs. Instead, it ensures that OFWs are correctly documented and protected against illegal recruitment practices.
If you are interested in working abroad, the first step is to find a licensed recruitment agency. You can search for licensed agencies on the POEA website to get latest POEA approved jobs. Once you have found an agency, you will need to submit the following documents:
-Passport
-Birth certificate
-Marriage certificate (if applicable)
-Educational certificates
-Employment certificates
-Police clearance
-Medical examination results
The recruitment agency will then forward your application to the employer. If you are hired, the employer will apply for your work visa. Once your visa is approved, you will be scheduled for a pre-departure orientation seminar (PDOS). The PDOS will provide information on your rights and responsibilities as an OFW.
Tips for Finding a Legitimate POEA approved Job
Many job openings are advertised by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), but not all are legitimate. Here are some tips to help you find a legitimate POEA job:
1. Check the license of the recruitment agency.
All licensed recruitment agencies have a valid license number which you can check on the POEA website. It is not legitimate if the agency does not have a license or if the license is expired.
2. Ask for detailed information about the job opening.
Be aware of job postings that are vague about the duties and responsibilities of the position. A legitimate agency can provide you with specific details about the job opening.
3. Verify that the salary is in line with industry standards.
When considering a job offer, make sure that the salary is in line with what is typically offered for that position in the Philippines and the country where the job is located. You can research salary ranges online or ask someone knowledgeable about salaries in that particular industry.
4. Get everything in writing.
Before accepting a job offer, ensure you have all the relevant details in writing, including your employer’s name and contact information, your salary, and when and where you will be working. This will protect you in case there are any disputes later on.
Conclusion
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) plays a vital role in ensuring the welfare of Filipino workers abroad. It regulates overseas employment, administers labor laws, and assists OFWs. Through its programs and policies, POEA has been able to protect the rights of Filipino workers while at the same time encouraging more Filipinos to take up jobs overseas. We hope this article has helped you better understand what POEA does and why it is essential for our country’s economy.