It is undeniable that due to the plunging employment rate and low wages of Filipino nurses in their own country, they seek refuge to other countries hoping they could have a glimpse of a greener pasture even if it will probably take them the risk of uncertainties and depression due to homesickness. Some say it takes doses of luck to be hired overseas, while some say it only takes diligence and perseverance. Due to the increasing demand of Filipino nurses overseas, various recruitment agencies sprouted all over the country, all claiming to put aspiring Pinoys in good placements abroad. However, do not put your hopes up yet, some of these agencies are unfortunately, Illegal. Hence, the next time you see an enticing recruitment advertisement on Facebook, you better think twice first and confirm it with the POEA ( Philippine Overseas Employment Administration).
What is Illegal Recruitment?
According to the POEA, it is "Any act of canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing, hiring or procuring workers and includes referring, contract services, promising or advertising for employment abroad, whether for profit or not, when undertaken by a non-license or non-holder of authority contemplated under Art 13 (F) of Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended otherwise known as the Labor Code of the Philippines: Provided, That any such non-licensee or non-holder who, in any manner, offers or promises for a fee employment abroad to two or more persons shall be deemed so engaged. (sec. 6, RA 8042)." Given this, it is important to check with their agency the legitimacy of the name and registration of the recruitment firm you are planning to connect with.
There has been a lot of Nurses who have tried several agencies, and only to find out that after spending so much money and time, they have been deceived from the very first day of their application. These occurrences do not only cause empty pockets but also emotional stress knowing some spend money they have been saving from working day and night. So, it is better to be sure than regret at the end.
However, we can always do something about it. The following are some perimeters to identify possible illegal recruitment agencies:
- immediately charge a placement fee or any fee without receipts
- guarantee immediate deployment
- require immediate medical examination or training without a clear employer or contract
- transact with applicants in public places like restaurants, malls , etc . and not in the office of a licensed agency
- do not provide enough information about the employer and the job being applied for
- claim that they have a direct employer and applicant do not need to go through POEA
- promise a fast deployment using a tourist visa
- claim that they are connected to a travel agency or a training center
- encourages applicants to invite other applicants to facilitate fast departure
-promise that the documents will be entered in the POEA to be processed
Should you encounter agencies which exhibit the above-mentioned characteristic and behavior, do not hesitate to notify POEA to avoid fraud and illegalities. A job overseas promises a good future for you and your family but make sure that you make it right upon starting building it up.
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