Thursday, November 29, 2007

How to Catch Recruiters' Attention

The Internet has been very useful, it can give you any information you need in just one click. And now, it has made the world of recruitment changing, no need to spend hours searching through classified ads.

Since applying through the Internet is so effortless, companies were swamped by applicants and got no time to sort them by skill. So make sure that your resumé can catch recruiters’ attention. Here are some tips that can help you make a winning resumé and get your dream job.

Keep your resumé updated. WorkAbroad has more than 100,000 applicants resumés reside in its database and is expected to rev up and that will give you just a little chance to get recruiters attention. Recruiters prefer resumés that are regularly updated, aside from that, WorkAbroad displays the latest resumés on the top of the pile.

Put all necessary information. Make sure that you put all the necessary information in your resumé. If you have attended trainings related in the job you are applying you can also include it. If you have advanced education, special skills, and if you are certified, do not forget to put them in your resumé. You can be easily search by the employers if you provide all your skills and qualifications in your resumé.

Apply only in jobs that best suits you. Apply and choose only on jobs that best suit your qualifications. Recruiters/employers get irate when they see the same name in different job openings. Applying in every vacancy might break your dream to land a job abroad.

Use Keyword. Using keywords is one method of company in searching qualified applicants. Using keywords in your resumé can help you catch your recruiters/employers’ eyes.

Recruiters use keywords based on applicants’ skills/knowledge on the field they are applying. Examples of keywords they use are “mechanic,” “trailer,” “komatsu,” for heavy machinery operators and “Oracle,” “JAVA,” “C++,” for information technology professionals.

Companies receive thousands of applicants’ resumé daily and instead of viewing it one by one, they just make use a computer tracking system to sort applicants by skill. So it is best to tailor your resumé with keywords that recruiters and employers mostly looked for.

Check and update your contact information. Be sure that when you display your resumé you provide accurate contact number. It should be updated so that recruiters and employers can easily reach you.

Supply a picture in your resumé. Choose a formal picture. Adding a photo in your resumé can also impress the recruiters. You must upload a photo with a maximum size of 20KB and must have maximum dimension of 150x150 pixels, or else you will encounter a problem uploading it.

Follow-up with the recruitment agency. WorkAbroad.ph is not a recruitment agency, it only facilitates job application. It doesn’t have direct connection with the agencies register in the website. This means that follow-ups must be made directly with the recruitment agencies. So, when you want to inquire with the application you made, you can call or e-mail the agency. Contact information of each agency can also be found when you click the job opening.

These are some simple ways on how you can easily catch recruiters’ attention. When you finally land a job, it is still necessary to update your resumé. You have to put your resumé to “hide status” to avoid receiving calls and emails from employers.

This article was first published in http://www.ofwguide.com/ on August 28, 2006

How to identify swindlers?

People with great desire to work abroad and earn more than what they currently earn are easily misled when they heard an effortless way of living and working abroad. And little did they know that they are being dupe by swindlers. Here are some tips from POEA on how to spot con artists.

1. They asked for a placement fee up front.
Right after you applied for a vacant position they offer, they will immediately asked for a placement fee telling you that the money you’ll give will be used for processing your travel documents without giving you a receipt. Always asked for official receipt in every transaction you make with your recruiter.

2. They promise that you can leave the country hassle-free.
They know that they can lure you with their offer and they also know your weakness.

3. They immediately require you to have a medical examination or training.
They will ask you to have a medical exam/training even if you still don’t have an employer as well as employment contract. Please be reminded that your medical result lasts only for three months, so you should have an examination if you already have an employer and employment contract.

4. Recruitment is done in public places.
Recruitment should only be done within the premises of the recruitment agency. It should not be done in malls, restaurant, etc. they also do a house to house recruitment. They went to remote places to look for possible victim.

5. Recruiter cannot give complete details about the job.
When applying for overseas job, it is very important to know all the details regarding your work. Recruiters must give you all details about your job. If they cannot state your job description, beware, you might be risking your life.

6. Illegal recruiters say that you already have an employer and no need for POEA’s verification.
Even if you already have an employer, you still have to go to the POEA, to verify your employment contract.

7. They recommend the use of visit or tourist visa.
They promised that you can easily leave the country if you use tourist or visit visa. This kind of visa only last for months, and if it expires you will be deported back to the Philippines and you might be jailed too. They encourage you to use visit visa because they have already send some workers overseas.

8. They cannot show the employment contract or working visa.
It is very important that before you leave the country you have read and understand everything that is written in your employment contract. Make sure that you are also holding a working visa and not a visit visa.

9. They claim they are legitimate recruiter from a licensed recruitment agency.
Illegal recruiters claim that they are from duly licensed agency but they do not possessed any identification card issued by the agency. Likewise they cannot give you some information about them, such as their complete name or address.

10. They claim that they are from travel agency or training center.
Bear in mind that travel agencies and training centers are not authorized to recruit and deploy workers. Only recruitment agencies duly licensed by the POEA are allowed to do so.

11. They request the applicant to invite more applicants to facilitate their application.
They only say that it would be easier to process your application if there would be more applicants. No, they asked to invite more applicants so there will be more people to give them money.

12. They promised that your documents will be sent to POEA to process the application.
They will tell you that they will call for after few days because your documents will be sent to POEA to process your application (especially those applying for EPS-Korea).

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on August 28, 2006

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Better Skills and Pay for Filipino Domestic Helpers

The Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Arturo Brion said he had endorsed reforms that would improve the skills of Filipinos who plan to work as domestic helpers overseas.

He also said that the package would include country-specific orientation courses on language and culture. It would also seek to ensure protective mechanisms at job sites, oblige employers to shoulder the cost of deploying the domestic helper, and increase their salaries to levels commensurate with their competencies.

“These policy reforms will minimize the departure of inexperienced, ill-trained and undocumented workers who are most prone to abuse by both recruiters and employers,” he said.

According to Brion, applicants for domestic helper (DH) must undergo skills assessment to be conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to upgrade their capabilities as DH. After taking the course TESDA will be giving certificates of competency to the certified workers.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will sponsor a country-specific language and culture training that workers must also take.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) will not process any employment contracts of domestic helper if they are not holding certificates issued by TESDA and OWWA.

Brion also said that the POEA governing board is planning to replace the “one-month salary placement fee” with “no placement fee” policy particularly for applicants of domestic works.

He added that salary deductions on site for the payment of service or placement fee will not be allowed.

Since household workers are highly trained, Brion said that the recruiters in the Philippines can asked for a higher service fee from the employers including the placement fee which is normally shouldered by the worker.

Brion also said that he asked the POEA board to raise the minimum salary of domestic helpers, which is pegged at $200 in all countries, same to the minimum remuneration for domestic workers in Hong Kong.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on August 26, 2006

How to get a Japanese Visa

Every foreigner, except shipping and airline crews, who wish to enter in Japan, whether to work or visit, needs to secure a visa at an embassy or consulate. This visa will be stamped or attached to the passport. If you do not have the necessary visa, you will not be granted to enter in Japan.

A visa is different from landing permission. Landing permission is stamped in the passport by the immigration officers at the airport or seaport where he or she goes through immigration procedures. Landing permission serves as the legal basis of that the foreigner can stay in Japan. A visa is only a recommendation and does not automatically guarantee landing permission.

Visa Application
When applying for a Japanese visa, you must submit an application in person to a Japanese Embassy or Consulate.

Requirements
When applying for a Japanese visa you are required to submit:

  • passport
  • two 45mm x 45mm passport-type photos taken within the previous six months (stateless persons must submit three photos)
  • two official visa application forms, available at the embassy or consulate
    documents certifying the purpose of the visit (refer to table below)

For short-term stay

Temporary Visitors
A ticket for boarding an airplane or a vessel to leave Japan, or a written guarantee issued by a transport company.

  1. A valid passport which enables the foreign national concerned to enter foreign countries out of Japan.
  2. Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all expenses incurred during the stay in Japan.

For Work or Long Term Stay

Diplomat/Official
Note verbal and/or documents issued by the foreign government or international organization, certifying the identity of the person concerned and his or her purposes while visiting Japan.

Professor
Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Artist-Documents certifying the activity, its duration, and the position of the person concerned.

Material showing the achievements of the artistic activity of the person concerned.

Religious Activities
Documents from the foreign religious organization, certifying the duration of stay, position, and remuneration of the person concerned.

Material showing the outline of the foreign religious organization which is sending the person concerned, and the recipient Japanese religious organization.

Documents certifying the position and career of the person concerned as a religionist.

Journalist
Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Investor/Business Manager
In cases where the person concerned intends to commence the operation of international trade or other business, or to invest in the business, the following materials are required.

  • A business plan, copies of the company registration, and a statement of profit and loss.
  • Material showing the number of full-time staff except the foreign national concerned, and in the case where the number of the full-time staff is two, copies of resident cards or certificates of alien registration and documents regarding wage payments of the staff concerned.
  • Material showing the outline of the business office.

In cases where the person concerned intends to engage in management of international trade or other business on behalf of the foreign national who began or invested the business concerned, the following materials are required.

  • A business plan, copies of the company registration, and a statement of profit and loss.
  • Material showing the number of full-time staff except the foreign national concerned, and in the case where the number of the full-time staff is two, copies of resident cards or certificates of alien registration and documents regarding wage payments of the staff concerned.
  • Material showing the outline of the business office.
    d. Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

In cases where the person concerned intends to engage in management of international trade or other business on behalf of the foreign national who began or invested in the business concerned or is engaged in management of the business concerned which was begun or invested in Japan, the following materials are required.

  • A business plan, copies of the company registration, and a statement of profit and loss.
  • Material showing the number of full-time staff except the foreign national concerned, and in the case where the number of the full-time staff is two, copies of resident cards or certificates of alien registration and documents regarding wage payments of the staff concerned.
  • Material showing the outline of the business office.
  • Documents certifying the career of the person concerned and his or her certificate of graduation with a major in management or administration.
  • Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Legal/Accounting Services
Documents certifying that the person concerned is qualified to do the activities under the status of residence of "Legal/Accounting Services" provided for in Annexed Table 1 (2) of the Immigration Control Act.

Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Medical Services
Material showing the outline of the recipient organization.

Documents certifying that the person concerned is qualified to do the activities under the status of residence of "Medical Services" provided for in Annexed Table 1 (2) of the Immigration Control Act.

Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Researcher
Material showing the outline of the recipient organization.

A diploma, a personal history, and other documents certifying the career of the person concerned.

Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Instructor
Material showing the outline of the recipient organization.

Documents certifying the academic career or a copy of an educational license of the person concerned.

Documents certifying the professional career of the person concerned.

Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Engineer
Copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the recipient organization.

Materials describing the business undertaken by the recipient organization.

A diploma or a certificate of graduation with a major in the subject regarding the activity of the person concerned, and documents certifying his or her professional career.

Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the recipient organization.

Materials describing the business undertaken by the recipient organization.

A diploma or a certificate of graduation with a major in a subject relating to the activity of the person concerned, and documents certifying his or her professional career.

Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Intra-company Transferee
Documents certifying the relationship between the business office in a foreign country and the business office in Japan.

Copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the business office in Japan, and material describing the business activities.

Documents certifying the details of his or her duty and its duration at the business office in a foreign country.

Copies of the company registration of the business office in a foreign country, and material showing its outline.

Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

A diploma and documentation certifying the career of the person concerned.

Skilled Labor
Copies of the company registration and a statement of profit and loss of the recipient organization.

Materials describing the business undertaken by the recipient organization.

A personal history and documents issued by the official organization which is certifying the career and the qualification regarding the activity of the person concerned.

Documents certifying the activity, its duration, the position, and the remuneration of the person concerned.

Long-Term Resident
A copy of the family registration, the marriage certificate, the birth certificate, and other documents certifying the status of the foreign national concerned.

Documents certifying that the person concerned can defray all expenses incurred during the stay in Japan. In cases where the expenses incurred during the stay in Japan are defrayed by another person, documents certifying the income of the person who intends to defray all expenses.

A letter of guarantee by a person living in Japan.

Visa Fees
Foreigners who obtain a visa for Japan must pay a visa fee.
3,000 yen = Php1358.9501 for a single-entry visa,
6,000 yen = Php 2717.9002 for a double-entry or multiple-entry visa, and
700 yen= Php 317.0883 for a transit visa

In the case of applicants from countries with reciprocal arrangements relating to visa fees with Japan, fees are reduced or exempted in accordance with the arrangement.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on August 20, 2006

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Work and Live in US

Almost everyone dreamed to work and live in the rich and famous country of the United States of America. Although the country minimize hiring foreign workers to give chances to US workers, U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) also allow US employers to employ foreign workers provided that there are insufficient qualified US workers are willing to get the job.

How to Enter in the US
There are different types of labor certifications for permanent and temporary employment issued by Department of Labor for foreign workers who want to work in the US. Said labor certifications are as follows:
  • Permanent Labor Certification
  • H-1B Specialty (Professional) Workers
  • H-1C Nurses in Disadvantaged Areas
  • H-2A Temporary Labor Certification (Seasonal Agricultural)
  • H-2B Temporary Labor Certification (Non-agricultural)
  • D-1 Crewmembers Certification

These foreign labor certification programs allows US employer to hire foreign workers on a temporary or permanent basis to occupy jobs that are essential to the US economy. Provided that the employer can prove that no qualified US workers are available and willing to accept the work at wages that meet or exceed the prevailing wage paid for that occupation in the area of intended employment.

Foreign labor certification programs are designed to assure that foreign workers who will enter and work in the US on a permanent or temporary basis will not adversely affect the job opportunities, wages, and working conditions of US workers.

Job Opening in the US
In-demand jobs in the US mainly focus in teaching, medical, and services jobs.

Medical

  • Nurse Staff
  • Therapist

Services

  • Attendant House
  • Commis IV General
  • Cook Prep
  • Utility Universal
  • Server Counter
  • Click here for more job openings in US.

Salary
Migrant workers salary in the US depends with what type of visa you are holding.

H-1B and H-1B1 Specialty (Professional) Workers must be paid the higher of the prevailing wage (average wage paid to similarly employed workers in the occupation in the area of employment) or the actual wage paid by the firm to workers with similar skills and qualifications.

H-2A Agricultural Workers must be paid the highest of the

  • Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR)
  • the prevailing rate for a given crop/area or
  • the federal or state minimum wage

The prevailing wage rate means the average wage paid to similarly employed workers in the requested occupation in the area of intended employment. It can be obtained by contacting the State Workforce Agency (SWA) who have the jurisdiction over the geographic are of intended employment or from other legitimate sources of information.

The law also required employers to shoulder meals and transportation of workers and restricts the deductions that may be legally made from workers' wages.

H-2B Non-agricultural Workers must be paid the prevailing wage (average wage paid to similarly employed workers in the occupation in the area of employment).

D-1 Crewmembers (longshore work) must be paid the prevailing wage (average wage paid to similarly employed workers in the occupation in the area of employment).

Permanent Employment of Aliens - employer must agree to offer and pay the prevailing wage, determined in accordance with one of several options under the regulation, from the time permanent residency is granted or the alien is admitted to the United States to take the position.

For more job openings please visit www.workabroad.ph.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com in August 18, 2006

Minimum Salary for Housemaids in Bahrain Set

The Philippine government has set the minimum salary of Filipina housemaids in Bahrain to 75 Bahraini Dinar (BD) or approximately P10,000 as part of their campaign in protecting housemaids working in Bahrain and in other part of the Middle East.

Employers who want to employ Filipina must first submit declarations notarized by the Justice Ministry stating that they agree to pay the BD75 as minimum wage of the housemaid they are hiring.

Labor Attaché Alejandro Santos said that without the new document, the Philippine Embassy would not process the contract.

Santos said that they are implementing the new rule strictly after the embassy discovered that several employers failed to follow the BD75 minimum salary for housemaids, which was introduced in the Philippines last year.

“We have discovered that many employers still do not observe the new minimum wage and to make sure that they do, we have introduced this new requirement with the help of the Justice Ministry,” he said.

Last May, the government also introduced the compulsory personal accident insurance for Filipina maids in Bahrain.

Aside from that, the Philippine Embassy has started sending the Labor Ministry the list of recruitment agencies and employers who have allegedly abused Filipino workers.

“If an employer has a problem with BD75 salary, BD25 insurance and the declaration needed to be notarised, then by all means hire another maid from another country,” said Mr Santos.

“Without fulfilling our requirements, we will not process any contracts at the embassy,” he added.

The insurance policy covers the maid’s death or permanent disablement by violent accident, external or visible means. It cost BD25 (minimum) and is good for two years.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on August 6, 2006

Beware of Illegal Recruitment on the Internet

The Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reported that a syndicate is using the Internet in recruiting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and collecting exorbitant fees from prospective overseas workers for non-existent jobs abroad.

The public is reminded that WorkAbroad.ph and OFWGuide.com are not recruitment agencies. It only facilitates job application and information dissemination. Job openings posted in the website are from POEA's list of licensed agencies. Added to that, registration at WorkAbroad.ph is for free and do not require the applicants to shell out any amount of money.

“We have received reports about such activity and we are waiting for complainants to come to us so that we can take action against these recruiters who promise applicants with ghost jobs,” Baldoz said.

Baldoz also said that the syndicates post advertisements or messages on various websites, online forums and chat rooms in conducting the recruitment.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) together with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) launched a renewed campaign against illegal recruitment.

“The alarming rise in illegal recruitment has forced us to act,” said Baldoz.

Usually, poor workers, whose dream is to give better future for their families, have to sell their farm animals or mortgage their house to raise the money for their placement fees became victim of illegal recruitment.

Said recruiters, usually unlicensed agencies, collect placement fees in excess of the authorized fee which is the equivalent of a worker’s one-month pay. The victims of the non-exiting jobs were left stranded in the foreign land with no means to return in their homeland.

“Payments are also coursed through the Internet, eliminating face-to-face meetings with the victim,” said Baldoz.

The POEA and NBI are planning to conduct anti-illegal recruitment consultations in different regions of the country to make the public aware of the gravity of the spurious recruitment problem. They will also distribute guides on how to avoid dealing with illegal recruiters.

Baldoz said victims of illegal recruitment from January to May this year have increased by 242.2% compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, she also warns the public to avoid dealing with illegal recruiters operating in Dubai with a tie-up with Manila-based agencies. Many Filipino women have been lured to work in Dubai where they are sold to prostitution rings.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com in July 27, 2006

Monday, November 26, 2007

KSA to Punish Illegal Foreign Workers and their Employer

The increasing numbers of illegal foreign workers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) urge the Shoura Council, the parliament of the KSA, to take drastic action in enumerating undocumented foreign workers and employers who hire overstaying foreign workers.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) recently issued an advisory about a Royal Decree on residency that punishes both the Saudi employer and the illegal foreign workers found violating the law.

The Shoura Council approved a law to publish the names of violators of the Kingdom's residency law in a newspaper where they reside. The law also covers citizens who hire overstaying foreigners for work.

The Royal Decree also states that illegal workers should fine SR50,000 and be jailed in one year and SR100,000 and two years imprisonment for employers who will be caught hiring overstaying foreign workers.

Due to the recently passed law, Filipinos aspiring to acquire work in the Kingdom are advised to get all the necessary documents and make sure that you are properly before entering the country to avoid imprisonment and be fined.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), on the other hand, tightens their campaign against illegal recruitment while Labor Secretary Arturo Brion expressed his concern about the increasing rapacity of illegal recruiters in victimizing innocent people desiring to land an overseas job.

Brion said that promising a non-existent overseas employment without the required government license for legitimate recruitment is the worst form of illegal recruitment of people.

“We will give the strongest focus against this form of illegal recruitment in order to protect the unwary and at the same time, penalize the guilty,” he said.

He also said that any legitimate recruiters caught violating the POEA Rules and Regulations and the provisions of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, such violations are treated separately and penalized, as appropriate, under the processes of the POEA.

He added that the way to mitigate and eliminate such kind of illegal recruitment is not by reducing the existing number of legitimate recruiters, but to strongly enforce and implement the law against the violations that hurt the unwary.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on July 19, 2006

OFW Relatives: Beware of Swindlers New Modus Operandi

Relatives of OFWs from Gulf State are the target victims of swindlers identifying themselves as “Philippine Ambassador to Dubai” and a “doctor” through a mobile phone call then after sending the money, their number will become inaccessible.

Mary Jane Haro Tibi, 34, wife of OFW, residence of UNOR-Ville, in the village of Mansilingan, Bacolod City has lost 170,000 pesos to two swindlers.

Tibi said that on Tuesday, about 10a.m, she received a call from a man who identified himself as “William Golez, the Philippine Ambassador to Dubai” telling her that her husband, who works in Dubai, had stabbed his fellow employee and had been wounded himself.

After few minutes, she received call from another man identifying himself as “Dr. Zuñiga” with mobile number 09187168675. The con man told her that her husband had sneaked back to the Philippines and was under his treatment.

She said that the caller asked for P165,000 to cover her husband’s surgical expenses. She was instructed to deposit P60,000 to the ATM account of "Teresita Suniga," and P75,000 and P35,000 to "Fernando Soriano Ocampo" of Imus, Cavite through Western Union.

On the same day, after she had deposited the money, her father-in-law informed her that her husband is in good condition and had not been involved in any incident contrary to the claims of the two con men.

Amabelle Aloro Lacson, 47, wife of a seaman, also from Bacolod, City residing in Acacia Road, Villa Angela also received a call from a con identifying himself as “Ambassador Golez,” and informed her that her husband has killed his fellow worker.

On the same day, Annabelle received another call from a man who introduced himself as “Dr. Fred Oribe,” of Puerto Princesa, Palawan and told her that her husband was under his treatment. And asked for P50,000 to finance the operation of her husband, prompting her to send an initial amount of P24,000 to the account of "Pete Lowell Stone" of Dasmariñas, Cavite.

After she has deposited the money she contacted the mobile number of Oribe, and, to her surprise, his number could not be reached. She then called her husband only to find out that she has been swindled because everything that she heard from the two callers was nothing but lie.

Another 63-year old woman also lost P69,850 in cash to two persons who identified themselves as a “doctor” and a “pilot.”

On June 3, the callers informed her that her daughter working at the Los Angeles Medical Center in California, USA had been involved in a commotion and had killed her nurse supervisor. After she deposited the money, then found out that the story was false and she has been swindled.

Another case of swindling using the same modus operandi happened in Sorsogon province. The two mothers of OFWs, a retired employee of the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital, a hospital guard and a retired teacher, entrust their money to con men.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on July 15, 2006

Work in Macau

Macau is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In recent years, the country’s economy is rapidly developing particularly in tourism and gaming industries, added to that are the construction of hotels and the progress of its entertainment facilities.

Although Macau has a localization program, non-resident workers are still welcome provided that they will take up jobs that cannot be filled by local Macau workers along with the approval of the local employer that the resident worker cannot perform the job.

Jobs in Macau
Professional/Skilled Workers
  • Engineers (Civil, Electrical, Mechanical)
  • Secretary Personal
  • Technician Dental
  • Nurse
  • Bartender
  • Chef
  • Cook
  • Assistant Cook

Domestic Helper
Driver
Cleaner

Services/Hospitality

  • Waiter/Waitress
  • Bellman
  • Chambermaid
  • Usherette
  • Personnel Spa and Salon

Salary
There is no mandatory minimum wage in Macau. But even if the country’s jobs wages are not very high, it is enough to afford the living standard of people in Macau.

Working Condition

  • There is no mandatory minimum wage.
    There are no publicly administered social security programs, but some companies provide private welfare and security packages.
    48-hour per week (eight hours per day), overtime pay, annual leave, one day off, and medical and maternity care.

Additional information:
The law requires every company to give a 24-hour (one day) off for every seven days of work, it is normal for workers to work overtime to compensate the low wages. The Labor Department provided assistance and legal advice to workers on request.

Migrant workers often received less than local residents for performing the same job, lived in controlled dormitories, worked 10 to 12 hours per day, and owed large sums of money to labor-importing companies for purchasing their jobs. They had no collective bargaining rights and no legal recourse in the case of unfair dismissal.

The Labor Department enforced occupational safety and health regulations. If they fail to correct infractions, it could lead to prosecution. Although the law states that employers are required to provide a safe working environment, no explicit provisions protect employees' right to continued employment if they refuse to work under dangerous conditions.

Entering Macau
Anybody who wished to enter Macau must hold a passport or a valid travel document with a validity of not less than 30 days since the day of entry. If travel arrangements are made through an agent, the visa processing is handled by Macau tour operators.

Visas are required by all visitors except if you are:

  1. Residents of Macau;
  2. Nationals of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania and the United Kingdom(6 months) for a stay up to 90 days;
  3. Nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kiribati, Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the United States of America and Uruguay for a stay up to 30 days;
  4. Nationals of China with valid Macau entry/depart documents, including residents of Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and overseas Chinese for a stay of up to 30 days;
  5. The “Hong Kong Identity Card”, “Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card” or “Hong Kong Reentry Permit” holders may stay in Macau for a maximum period of one year.
  6. Holders of Diplomatic Passport or “Laissez Passer” issued by the United Nations.
  7. Holders of Consulate/Diplomatic documents issued by the Macau SAR or Hong Kong SAR.

Where to obtain Visa?
Visas can be obtained from the Immigration Services through Embassies/Consulates of the PRC and should be used only until its validity expires. Visas can also be obtained upon arrival in Macau at the Immigration Services for a period of 30 days.

There are three types of visas:
1.Individual-it cost MOP$100, for individual traveler for a single stay of up to 30 days in Macau, for children under 12 years of age, it would only cost MOP$50.

2. Family-it cost MOP$200 for couples, husband traveling with wife and or children (under 12 years of age) of same surname or on proof of their relationship.

3. Group-it cost MOP$50 per person for bonafide groups of 10 or more and children aged 12 or under.

For more job openings in Macau please visit POEA at www.poea.gov.ph you may also visit www.workabroad.ph for various job openings worldwide.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on July 13, 2006

What Lies Ahead for Visit Visa Holder in Dubai?

More and more Filipinos opt to work abroad particularly in Dubai using visit visa. Recently, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued an advisory about the risk of working using visit visa. Aspiring OFWs believe that using visit visa is the easiest and fastest way to work abroad. But what they don’t know is the risk that goes along with when they get there.

What really lies ahead for “tourist workers” holder in Dubai? What will happen when your visa was about to expire? Meanwhile, here’s a real story from a Filipina who wants to tell the burden of using visit visa.

Pag pumasok ka dito as visit visa, you will be allowed to stay in Dubai for only 58 days from your date of entry. So within 58 days dapat may trabaho ka, maari makakuha ka ng work within that period of time pero ang question will they process your employment and residence visa? This is the biggest problem here.

Ang processing ng employment visa will cost roughly Dhs8,000. Malaking pera para sa company, unless malaking company ang mapasukan mo for sure they will process your visa, eh paano kung hindi? Totoo na maraming mga company dito pero di lahat malaki at may pera. Kung mga small time business walang mangyayari sa visa mo, paaasahin ka lang, kunwari they will hire you tapos pag malapit na ma-expire na ang visit visa mo dun mo malalaman na di pala nila ito pina-process at kailangan mo um-exit papunta sa Kish. Tapos pagbalik mo sarado na pala yung company mo o di kaya may na-hire nang iba.

Ilan ng kasama ko sa bahay at kakilala ang ganon ang nangyari. Buti kung sasagutin ng company yung exit expenses mo eh kung hindi, which always happens. Kawawa ang magpupunta dito na visit visa ang gamit.

Naranasan ko ang um-exit papunta sa Kish, hidi agad na-process ng company ko ang employment visa ko. Pag nakarating ka sa Kish you will feel na para kang na-exile. Kish is an island in Iran, and you will be shocked dahil madaming Pinoy ang nandon, imagine lagi fully booked ang Kish airlines dahil sa dami ng Pinoy na pabalik-balik from Kish to Dubai and from Dubai to Kish.

Ang bayad don nun time na um-exit ako ay Dh35 per day, it’s a hotel they say pero hindi ito gaya ng mga hotel na iniisip mo. Wala kang trabaho na mapapasukan sa Kish, so talagang hindi ka mag-iisip na mag-stay sa lugar na iyon. Yung place na iyon ay ginawa para sa pag-exit ng mga paso na ang visa sa Dubai.


Depressing ang lugar na yon, may mga Pinoy don na na-stranded na. Pinabayaan na sila ng employer at ng kamag-anak o di kaya kakilala nila. Syempre kung wala ka rin lang pamilya dito sa Dubai sino ang gagastos sayo ng Dhs 1,000 for a new visit visa only.

May mga Pinoy akong na-meet don, wala na silang pera. Merong isa one month na siya don, tapos ang ginagawa niya para makakain siya naglilinis siya ng hotel. Tapos, meron din don wala na silang pagkain. Ang ginagawa nila hinihingi nila yung natitirang pagkain ng mga aalis ng mga Pinoy at babalik na sa Dubai. Ang advise nga sa’min, pag pupunta ka sa Kish at may pera ka naman, magdala ka na ng maraming pagkain at iwan mo na lng sa mga naandon na na-stranded na Pinoy.


Nong andon ako, around 700 Pinoy ang andun. Isang hotel lang yan, wala pa dyan un mga Pinoy na naka-check-in sa ibang hotels. Halos 90% ng andon mga Pinoy, konti lang ang ibang lahi. Sari-saring Pinoy ang nandun, may lolo, may lola, may mag-asawa na pareho ng andon, may binata, may payat na payat dahil wala ng pera at makain.

Tapos, ang masaklap pa pag one month ka na don, syempre wala ka ng pera pangbayad ng hotel, ang gagawin ng mga Pinoy don eh floating. Pag gabi lang sila matutulog sa hotel. Makikitulog lang sila, dapat patago yun dahil may nagra-round na gwardya. Mas nakakaawa daw dun yun mga Pinoy pag winter. Dahil di pwede na sa labas lang matutulog dahil sobra lamig.

Yan ang buhay ng pag-exit sa Kish, most likely pag pumasok ka sa Dubai as visit visa. Halos 90% ang possibility na e-exit ka. Plus, may bagong promulgation ang Dubai municipality dito with regards to processing of employment visa. Kailangan yun authenticated diploma mo at TOR na authenticated na sa Pilipinas ay ipapa-authenticate mo pa uli dito. At babayad ka ng Dhs500 and it will take two months bago matapos ang authentication. Pag natapos na yon, saka pa lang ipa-process ang employment visa mo. So kung dati eh isang exit ka lang bago maayos ang employment visa mo, sa bagong system dito eh magdadalawang exit ka.
No one will encourage someone na pumasok dito as visit visa kung ang purpose lang ng pagpunta niya dito magtrabaho, Kung magtuturista ka lang walang problema, pero kung hanap mo ay trabaho, it’s not advisable.

Ang mag-e-encourage sa’yo na pumunta dito eh yung mga ahenteng Pinoy na kababayan natin na ang negosyo eh pagbebenta ng visa. Ang daming ahente pinoy dito ang yumaman sa pagre-recruit ng mga inosente nating kababayan na mangungutang pa ng daang libo sa Pilipinas para lang makarating dito. Makonsensiya sana sila sa ginagawa nila. Buti kung pagdating ng taong ni-recruit nila dito eh tutulungan nila. Kaso pagdating mo dito dun mo malalaman na niloko ka lang pala at pinerahan.

Ang average na cost ng pagpunta dito ay Dhs2,500 with one way plane ticket, kapag iko-convert to peso roughly nasa 37,500.00, may tubo na sila don. Pag hiningan ka ng 85,000 tulad ng narinig ko sa iba, pineperahan ka na talaga. So the best thing is go thru recruitment agency, at pumasok ka dito gamit ang employment visa, protected ka ng POEA.


Added to that, tourist workers can only earn Dhs1,500, without transportation and accommodation allowance, which is actually insufficient to sustain your personal expenses for a month.

She came to Dubai on May 11, 2005, her sister followed her and arrived on the 29th of December, after few weeks, January 25, 2006 her husband also get there. Currently, she’s working as accounts assistants in a construction supply company. She was fortunate because her employer processed her employment visa.

(Her name was not mentioned for confidentiality purposes.)

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on June 3, 2006

Friday, November 23, 2007

Bogus Jobs; “Too Good to be True”


Do not be too desperate in finding job abroad; you might be risking your lives! Avoid being a victim of illegal recruitments…

Beware of recruiters offering jobs in Macau!
According to the advisory of POEA Mindanao Director Francis Domingo which was broadcast over the radio program “POEA online around the Globe,” there are 10 Filipinos arrived in Macau last January 15, unfortunately they discovered that the jobs promised to them do not really exist hence, they are repatriated from Macau.

Domingo said that Macau prioritized its residents in giving job. Foreign workers are only given a chance to work as executives in financial establishments, casinos, gaming operations, hotels and restaurants, information technology and marketing departments.

Fake Job Openings in UK
There are also fake jobs offered in United Kingdom. The British government warned Filipinos to be cautious on job openings through the Internet.

Recruiters sent unsolicited emails offering jobs in UK to jobseekers that post their resumes on jobsites. Recruiters also offers high paying jobs to convince the jobseeker to submit an application for the said job opening. They say that they will give the full details of the job when they reply to the email sent to them.

After the applicant replied to the email, they will asked for an advance fee for the application, and they have to send certain amount of money via wire service to an account under different name, the amount range from 2,250 to over 21,000 euros.

“Do not be rushed into a decision. Do not hesitate to ask questions. You have the right to know about the employment offer and the company. Be wary of demands that you must act now,” the British embassy said.

The Embassy advises the applicants to be extra careful in answering e-mails that offers employment. They should not give money to the recruiters, just like legitimate recruitment agencies do not require the applicant to pay certain amount to process the job application. If they are really determined to work overseas, contact an employment agency of good reputation.

This article was first published in http://www.ofwguide.com/ on April 22, 2006

Are you holding a “visit visa” in Dubai?

Dubai is one of the top destinations of Filipino workers, some are holding proper working visa while others are only holding visit visa and they are called “tourist workers”.

The number of Filipinos deployed in Dubai has increasing radically for the past seven years. In 1998, there are 35,485 Filipinos deployed in Dubai, it reaches 49,164 in 2003, 68,386 in 2004 until it becomes 81,707 in 2005. The rapid increase of deployment is because of the booming construction of hotels, office buildings and residences.

More and more Filipinos are going in Dubai to look for a job without proper documents such as working visa. They are fortunate if they were able to find a good quality job, with high salaries and fair labor conditions. If not, they will be forced to accept miserable jobs.

Visit visa could only last for 57 days, and in that span the holder must be able to find a job, if not, they have to renew it in the tourist island of Kish in Iran or wait for their employer to issue a worker visa.

According to a recruiter who takes a visit in Dubai to check the employee that was deployed by their agency, “visit visa” holders are having a hard time finding a job. These findings were proven by the consultant of several Manila-based recruitment agencies Emmanuel Geslani.

Filipino working with visit visa is considered undocumented because they did not go through the recruitment process under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). And as compare to documented workers who are given fair salaries according to their job specifications with free accommodations, they are under paid and do not have free accommodations.

Meanwhile, Dubai is expected to construct 100 new hotels by 2010. Filipinos are warned not to avail “visit visas” at prices ranging from P40,000 to P100,000 offered by travel agencies.

“Thousands of Filipinos have been lured by these travel agencies with their ads and many more are convinced by their friends now working there to fly to Dubai and take their chances in finding jobs,” the recruiter said.

Geslani also said that there were two to three local travel agencies responsible for sending out these “tourist workers.” He also blamed Bureau of Immigration based in Dubai for conniving with the travel agencies in allowing the tourist worker to leave.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on April 30, 2006

Looking for Agencies without Placement Fee?

Working overseas is not so easy, lots of preparations are needed not only physically as well as mentally. You have to prepare your mind that you are about to live away from your family.

Working abroad goes along with how much money you have to prepare your documents, medical exam and most of all, your placement fee.

When applying for abroad, as much as possible we look for recruitment agencies without placement fees, but do you have any idea where to find that agency? Below are the agencies with no placement fee, others depend on the foreign employer and salary deduction.

Here is the list of agencies without placement fee:

Ablewill Corporation (deploys nurses only)
GF-B Barko Bldg. 1014 P. Ocampo Sr. cor. Arellano Sts. Manila
528-4231/525-0310 to 14

Camox Philippines Inc.Unit 3-A, 3B and 3F No. 1646 Evangelista cor. Belarmino Sts. Makati City
8439141

CHESHAM Recruitment Inc.Suite 219 The Peninsula Court Makati Ave., cor. Paseo de Roxas, Makati City
751-5988/751-5989/751-5990

Eastern Construction Co., Inc.42/F 2402-A Philippine Exchange Center West Tower, Pasig
731-8814
Fax 731-8816

EDI Staffbuilders International Inc. Unit 704139 Corporate Center Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati
812-6705/816-0096

Gulf Asia International Corp.2/F Topy Bldg. No. 3 Economia St. Bagumbayan, Quezon City
635-0851/635-0864
Fax 635-0861

Industrial Personnel and Management Services, Inc.1455 Leon Guito St. Malate, Manila
526-0787/524-6412
Fax 524-8661/521-1189

Here is the list of agencies whose placement fee depends on the foreign employers and the position you are applying:

ADD International4/F Pilar Bldg., Amorsolo St. Legaspi Village, Makati City
813-3000

Aero Allied International Inc.Suite 802, Ermita Center Bldg. 1350 Roxas Blvd. Cor. Sta. Monica St., Ermita Manila
400-1911/400-1915

Al Assal Manpower Inc.2656 Taft Ave. Malate Manila
484-2095

Career Planners Specialists Inc.2/F David Bldg. 561 Shaw Blvd. Mandaluyong City
723-0686/723-8730/718-4095

CDK International Manpower Services Corp.Suite Nos. 2 and 3 and G/F Midland Plaza Hotel M. Adriatico St., Ermita Mnl.
536-8350/523-8665/536-3271

And finally here is the agency that offers salary deduction:

Bahia Shipping Services Inc.5/f Ma. Daniel Bldg. 470 San Andres cor. M.H. Del Pilar St. Malate Manila

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on April 20, 2006

Chinese Language can Help OFWs more Competitive

Filipinos can be more competitive in looking for a job when they learn how to speak Chinese.

According to an official of Makati Business Club (MBC), after Filipinos learned how to speak English, Chinese is the next best language that they should learn to be more competitive in the global economy.

“Roughly 25% of the world’s population is composed of Chinese descent,” said MBC Executive Director Guillermo Luz.

Luz added that although English is still widely use language in the business arena, learning Mandarin will help Filipino businessman and jobseekers be more competitive.

It is obvious that Chinese and Chinese-Filipino enjoy doing business, big or small, here in the Philippines he said.

“In fact we now have a Federation of Chinese Chamber of Commerce as well as a Chinese-Filipino Business Club,” said Luz.

“China, as we all know, is an economic power. Learning and mastering their language will definitely boost chances of forging international or global partnerships,” he said.

He also said that it is important to have high-level communications skills in business and when seeking for a job.

He added that Filipinos should look forward in the bigger competition in global market and they should struggle to be the best not only in Asia but also in the whole world. And Filipinos should not stop to improve themselves and learn, since language begets communication and communication is power.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on April 8, 2006

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Livelihood Grants for OFWs

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration - National Livelihood Support Fund - Livelihood Development Program for OFWs (OWWA-NLSF-LDPO) will help the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families to start a new business by funding the capital for their livelihood.

According to Overseas Workers Welfare Officer III Noel Chavez, LDPO is part of their agency’s continuous livelihood program for OFWs. Aside from the credit facilities they offer to the OFWs, their families and organizations, they also offer entrepreneurial development services like technology transfer, training on business management skills and market linkages to ensure that they become self-reliant.

Chavez said that if in case the OFW would rather choose to stay in the country, LDPO is a great chance for them to start an alternative source of income, not only them but likewise their immediate families here in the country are also entitled to the same privilege.

Those who are entitled to avail the program are:

  • all member-OFWs and former member-OFWs of the OWWA,
  • married OFWs, one of their immediate family, either spouse or children of legal age,
  • single OFWs, their parents or siblings of legal age, and
  • existing LDPO beneficiaries with good records of repayment.

The programs allows qualified individual borrower to avail a minimum loan of P50,000, maximum of P200,000, and maximum of P1 million for organized and registered group with at least five members.

The requirements for those who are interested to avail the grant are:

  • proof of OWWA contribution,
  • business plan,
  • financial statements in case of existing business,
  • business permits/license (for existing business),
  • collateral papers/ownership titles,
  • OFW consent for immediate family member, and
  • documents to establish borrower's relationship with OFW (for beneficiaries borrowing in place of OFW).

Chavez said that through LDPO, they will be able to help the OFWs and their families to invest and start a business with the support of the President’s agenda to create more job opportunities.
"We all know that the money sent by our OFWs to their families remain to be an important component of our national income but their business investments would boost more their contribution to the country's economy," Chavez said.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on March 23, 2006

Work and Live in Yemen

Yemen has one of the most conservative cultures in the world. It is a country rich in art and humanities; it is because of Yemeni’s richness in culture. Yemeni give value to their lives, and they give the pleasure their body needs. They are humane, they share, they are friendly and they cannot live alone.

TEFL: Jobs in demand in Yemen
Yemen needs teachers whose desires are to discover and visit new places and explore into new heritages to promote their outward knowledge about overseas countries, and also to make remarkable changes and adventures in their lives.

Yemen offers gigantic opportunities for English teachers to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). It is because of the current and unexpected increase in the demand for English speakers in Yemen.

Requirements
Can speak English fluently

Main types of teaching:In-company : General English, Business English, English for Specific PurposesEnglish Medium Schools: General English, English for Younger LearnersUniversity Language Departments: General English

Contracts
Usually 12 months (renewable)

Salary
US$1000-$1,600 per month (approx), and is commensurate with a teacher's qualifications and experience.

Country Profile
Capital: Sanaá
Climate: The climate in Yemen is various and depends on the different altitudes of the regions.

There are no distinctive limits between the seasons. Generally there are two main seasons (summer and winter). During summer the climate is hot with high humidity dominating in the coastal area.

In winter the climate in the coastal area is relatively moderate. Occasional rains in the summer are caused by the monsoon coming from the Indian Ocean. These rains decrease the high temperatures in the coastal area during the summer.

The weather in the mountain area is moderate in summer and relatively cold in winter. During winter it becomes especially cold in the night and in the early morning, with pleasant sunny days.

  • Religion: Islam (including Sunni and Shiite), small numbers of Jewish, Christian, and Hindu
  • Language: Arabic is the official language of Yemen; Somali, Soqotri, Mehri are other languages spoken on a regular basis in Yemen.
  • Economy: Yemen, one of the poorest countries in the Arab world, reported strong growth in the mid-1990s with the onset of oil production. It has been harmed by periodic declines in oil prices, but now benefits from current high prices.
  • Government: Republic

Custom and Courtesy

Gestures: If the room is carpeted, the visitor should remove the shoes and leave it outside. They believe that leaving the shoes outside can avoid bringing impurities and thereby rendering the carpet ritually unclean for prayer. You should shake hands with the oldest person first once you have entered the room. Then he should make his way around the room in an anti-clockwise direction, shaking hands with each person in turn before taking his seat and joining in the conversation.

If there are more than 50 people in the room or if seating is inconvenient, just shake hands with the host and wave to the other people in the room as your way of greeting them. Crossing legs when seating is accepted but make sure that the sole of foot is not direct to an individual, it means “go away” gesture.

Greetings: The standard greeting is “As-salam alaikum,” meaning “peace be upon you” and the standard reply is “Wa alaikum as-salam,” meaning “and upon you be peace.” When you arrive at the reception room, you should stand in the doorway and utter “As-salam alaikum.” You can only enter after receiving the reply of the host. If in case the host has no reply, you can repeat the greeting, but if continued failure to reply means that you are not welcome.

Diet: Rice, bread, vegetables, lamb, and fish are the chief foods in Yemen. The national dish is a spicy stew called salta.

In the afternoon, chewing the leaves of a plant called the khat is still widely observed by almost all men and many of the women. These leaves contain a stimulant, and they produce a mild intoxication or euphoria (feeling of well-being).

Dress: People in the city wear Western-style clothing but many others wear traditional Arab dress. The men's garments include cotton breeches or a striped futa (kilt). Many men wear skullcaps, turbans, or tall, round hats called tarbooshes. While women wear long robes, black shawls, and cover their faces with veils.

This article was first published in http://www.ofwguide.com/ on March 19, 2006

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Pinoy Seafarers in-Demand

The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, Patricia A. Sto. Tomas said that despite the tough competition in global shipping, Filipino seafarers are still in demand and most preferred.

Secretary Sto. Tomas opposed to some media reports that the global demand for seafarers is slowing down. In fact, last year 2005 was the highest demand for Filipino seafarers in the global shipping.

"Globally, more than one million overseas employment contracts were processed, and a total of 981,677 documented OFWs were productively deployed worldwide in 2005, representing a growth of 5.2 percent compared to 933,588 in 2004" the secretary said.

She added that they have deployed more than 18,705 or eight percent sea-based OFWs in 2005 that rose to 247,707, as compared to 229,002 in 2004.

Although competition against China, India, and Myanmar rose and almost threatens the deployment of overseas Filipino seafarers, Philippines remains unbeatable.

"On the maritime front in particular, the Philippines does not compete on cheap labor costs but on stringent adherence to international standards," the Labor Chief emphasized.

"This points to the fact that our seafarers' skills and excellence are solidly anchored upon our consistent adherence to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) amended Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping Convention (STCWC) that remains the indispensable benchmark for global shipping safety, conditions, and efficiency," she said.

According to Sec. Sto. Tomas, Philippines is doing good and trying its best to meet the projected demand of 35,000 for ship officer and in management area in the next five to 10 years.

She unveiled that Japan, one of the worlds’ major country that relies on the overseas Filipino seafarers show a sign that it’s ready to hire Filipino officers that the country’s training system would produce.

Likewise, she added that DOLE together with the Maritime Training Council (MTC) is having an effort for graduates of engineering courses in the country’s colleges and universities to train, shift, and study and become marine engineers.

She gives an assurance that both the DOLE's Philippine Overseas Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administrations will continuously process improvements to strengthen the global demand for OFWs.

This articel was firt published in www.ofwguide.com on March 17, 2006

Work in Korea through the Help of POEA

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) was swamped by over 200,000 aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) due to the announcement made by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) about the government-to-government agreement between the Philippines and South Korea.

The POEA has two divisions that would process the documents of the applicants—the pre-employment unit, accepts and process all applications and then notifies the pre-selected workers to take the Korean language proficiency test. The other unit prepares all the documents needed in the deployment of the selected worker. The selected worker has to pay P27, 000 for the processing fees and a one-way flight ticket to Korea.

The Korean language proficiency test dates, content of the proficiency test and the influence of the test scores on the selection are determined by the Korean labor ministry. Test centers in Metro manila are accredited by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The salary offered is a minimum of $500 and it can goes up to $1, 000 including the overtime. The OFWs are protected by its labor laws and they can get the same benefits that are given to the native workers. The contract made by the POEA was approved by Koreas’ Ministry of Labor and it allows the worker to stay up to three year.

Filipinos will work particularly in the manufacturing and construction industry of Korea. And illegitimate Filipinos who have worked in Korea will be given a chance and preferential treatment if they are voluntarily left for the Philippines by the end of February 2004.

The POEA reminded that the applicants should deal directly with the government agency. According to Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz of POEA, there are no private recruiters involved in the agreement. She cited a case in which recruiter claims that the applicants can work abroad and collected an average of P100, 000 from applicants for the approval of their application. She also said that the truth is those recruiters are not even seen in the premises of the POEA.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on February 15, 2006

Philippines and Bahrain Signed New Rights for Filipino Maids

Philippines and Bahraini authorities both agreed to the new contract that gives the Filipino housemaids the right to walk out if their employers maltreat them.

Violations such as non-payment of salary, non-provision of for breakfast, lunch and dinner, non-provision of rest hours during the day, not allowing eight hours of sleep per day, requiring the to work for other people, transferring her to other employer and maltreating, beating or physically/sexually abusing can be the grounds of the housemaids to terminate their service to their employer.

According to the Philippine Embassy Welfare Officer Venus Bravo, Filipino domestic workers who end their contract because of maltreatment of the employer will no longer be considered “runaways.”

A new clause for Filipina housemaids’ contracts states that they have every right to terminate their service if they are being abuse by their employers in Bahrain.

“The Labour Ministry is aware of the new contract and is honoring it,”said Ms Bravo.

New housemaids from Philippines who are going to Bahrain and their employers are being informed of the new clause to stop the cases of Filipino workers abused in Bahrain.

The numbers of workers staying in the embassy’s shelter have doubled in just two months. In fact, currently there are more than 60 workers were at the shelter as compared to last months 30 workers.

Majority of these Filipino workers who want to go back home are housemaids. Most of them complained of are breach of contract, others complains either physical or sexual abuse, overwork and delayed salaries. They cannot just go back because their employers are keeping their passports and CPR cards.

Some of them are working with tourist visas, because their Bahraini employers hired them straight from the Philippines without any contact from agency.

“Their employers are deliberately violating set rules that Filipinos must be hired through agencies,” said Ms Bravo.

Last year during the Ramadan was the largest number of workers in the embassy shelter which was 114.

"We experienced what we thought was an increase of runaway workers during the Holy Month, but now we are finding that more workers are running away and this just shows how serious the situation is here in Bahrain," said Ms Bravo.

The agreement likewise stated that the employer should take the responsibility for the air ticket of the maid in going back to the Philippines and provide her outstanding wage.

“If any employer refuses to sign the agreement once it is introduced at the embassy then we will tell them to please not hire Filipinos,” said Ms. Bravo.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on February 7, 2006

Work in Malaysia

Malaysia, a truly spectacular and engaging country, located in the heart of Asia, and welcomes any races and religions, a land rich in cultures and attractions and blessed with natural wonders. It is a home for everyone, 60% of the populations comprise of ethnic Malays, 26% are Indians and the rest are indigenous tribes.

The capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, and it is still a developing city. English language is widely spoken and Malaysians prefer to use British English. Since majority of Malays are moderate Muslims, they don’t drink alcohol or eat pork. Religion, sex and politics are very sensitive topic to discuss.

Work in Malaysia

The top two in demand jobs in Malaysia are English teacher and information technology (IT). They are also in need of sales and marketing/business development, finance - general/cost accounting, general administration and engineering.

Although English teacher is definitely in demand in Malaysia, it doesn’t mean that whenever you come in the country you can easily find a job. You must put an effort, check the newspaper or the internet everyday for job listing.

About the salary, RM1500-6000 ($300-$1600) is offered for English teachers per month, The British Council and the international schools are the best paymasters, compared to colleges and universities which are not top payers.

Since Malaysia is facing a shortage of skilled manpower, they offer immense scope for IT professionals. Most employers of IT look for applicants with three to seven years of experience on related specialization and a degree in engineering, computer science or management. They need applicants in the field of Product Costing, Funds Management and other FICO (Financial and Control) modules.

The salary for IT professionals with Senior Management position and specialization in manufacturing as of year 2003, get an average of RM10,390 ($2,846), while those with service specialization get an average salary of RM9,950 ($2,726).

Agreement with Aspiring Workers

The Malaysian government set an arrangement for the employment opportunities in the country. On a press release from Overseas Management Corporation, workers who aspires to work in the said county should have been trained in the Malaysian government-instituted induction course and taken a test and should hold the certificate of the course.

They will study basics of English and Malay, with introduction on the laws and culture of Malaysians. After completing the course, an examination to be conducted by training institute and they are recognized by the Malaysian government. The certificate would last for a year according to the press release.

Surviving the Crisis

Although Malaysia faced a lot of challenges including the global slowdown, the SARS outbreak and even the recent oil price hike. They were able to find measures that will put back the strength of their economy. In fact it has consistently maintained its position as the 18th largest global exporter and the 20th largest importer in the last few years. It is among the world’s principal manufacturer of computer disk drives, palm oil, rubber and timber, likewise maker of Proton--the national car.

It seeks greater market access for agricultural products, industrial goods and services under the Doha negotiations. If the negotiations succeed, greater market access and positively impact on development will ensure.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on February 1, 2006

Living in Taipei

Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan, the high-tech city with active nightlife and fabulous restaurants, modern hotels and churches. It is internationally known for its traditional Taiwanese and neo-Chinese cuisine.

You might probably plan to move in Taipei…how much money do I have to spend going to Taipei, how much will I spent in a day if I’m staying there, can I save even a little for me??? These might be the questions that linger in your mind.

No matter where you are, if you live your life simple, you’ll be able to save money for your future…you don’t have to eat in a fine restaurant or rent an expensive room which is not so worthwhile. Well, if you do, your money will disappear in just one click like a magic.

Chinese skills are your strongest weapon in going to Taipei, your experience counts but Chinese speaking skills are still essential.

Companies would hire you if you are as fluent as the locals in speaking Chinese. Without which it would be hard for you to find a job in Taipei. And most of it all you must possess a working permit with you. And the best way to protect your self with a work permit is working in a big company.

Salary depends on what type of job you have. If you’re a business manager in a consumer goods company and at least have a 5 years experience, you’ll have a salary of NT$30,000 to NT$35,000. English teachers working for eight hours can get around NT$80,000 or NT$500 per hour of teaching English.

In Taipei, room rent rate depends on where you live. The closer you are in the downtown the more expensive it is. You can get a room without your own bathroom for as low as NT$4,000 to NT$6,000 per month, and you just have to share bathroom with the other roommates, this kind of room is called ya fang. While room with your own bathroom called tao fang, will cost at least NT$8,000 to NT$12,000. These prices are just for a room, excluding the kitchen and the living room, but some places have, some don’t.

While for your meals, an average meal cost NT$100, there are restaurants that serve NT$500 for a single meal and others would charge you NT$1,000 for a piece of steak. The cost of your meal is apt to you, whether you’ll eat in an expensive restaurant and spend much for a better dining or just eat simply and pay less and save money.

Transportation costs on the other hand, are reasonable. Buses cost NT$15 a ride for regular fare, NT$12 for a student, while in MRT, the cost would depend on your destination, from NT$20 to NT$50, taxis start at NT$70 and jumps NT$5. Because fare gets expensive fast, you can buy a scooter or even just a bicycle if you can.

If want to relax after a long week of work, entertainment would probably guzzles up most of your money. A show in an ordinary theater costs NT$300 excluding your popcorn and regular coke and this cost NT$160 a set. Nightlife is more expensive, clubs rate from NT$300 to NT$1,000. Some of them gives one free drink others are consumable. While on the other hand, KTV is more expensive, is cost NT$500 for just a few hours and it can easily hop on to NT$1,000 or so if you stay longer.

Other expenses like cell phone calls cost NT$10 per minute, NT$2.50 to NT$5 per text message. English books cost NT$300 above. Movie/DVD rentals cost NT$80 overnight.

And if you want to study Mandarin, the tuition fee at Shida costs NT$18,000 for three months, excluding books which cost around NT$300++ each. Classes are merely two hours a day for five days a week and better go to all your classes lest you lose your student visa!
Taipei is just like any other places, you can live here as expensive or cheap as you make. You can spend as much as you are willing to spend and you can save as much as you want.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on January 28, 2006.

OFWs In-Demand in Global Arena

Philippines is the main source of man power that supplies to the different parts of the world.

Thus, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) dynamism in managing an international migration program help the modern skilled worker find their jobs overseas. They make sure that they are deploying qualified and skilled overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). By setting a minimum standard, foreign employer are sure of the capability of each OFWs.

The POEA has three ways on how a foreign employer can hire an OFW, first, through POEA license agency, there are about 1,000 land based agencies, and some of it is marine agencies, who manage the recruitment for the seafarers. Second through government, it is a government to government hiring where clients are way back before POEA. And the third one is through direct hiring system.

The hiring system which is consists of verification of documents and the registration of the verified documents was also made by the POEA. Verification process is done at the Philippine embassy and is conducted by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) headed by the Labor Attaché. What comes out of the verification process will be verified with special power of attorney, master employment, a contract manpower request credential of the company with valid business license or commercial business certificate. If there’s already designated local agency, special power of attorney that has verified, the documents will go to the agency and submit it to the POEA, this process is called the registration of verified documents.

According to the “World Development Report” Filipinos are considered one of the best and most sought workers. They have the commitment to work, caring attitude, versatile and they can easily adapt to the culture and environment of the host country. They are highly trainable, educated and literate, can speak and understand English or even other foreign language.

Based on the work force report of the Department of Labor and Employment Labor Opportunities, the employment of the OFWs from 2001 up to 2005 continues to rise. There are about or more 2 million OFWs all over the world, which shows a great demand for Filipino in the global arena.

OFWs are remarkable as teachers, health care and medical workers, service workers, seafarers, in construction jobs and technical and professional tasks.

Asia is the top destination of newly hires OFWs, with 132, 729 in 2003 and 119, 180 in 2004, while 133, 880 in 2003 and 136, 107 in 2004 of re-hires OFWs. Second is Middle East with 138, 021 in 2003 new hires OFWs and 100, 826 in 2004, while 214, 293 in 2003 new hires, 184, 738 re-hires in 2004. Third is Europe with 4, 973 in 2003 4, 615 in new hires in 2004, 50,143 re hires in 2003 and 33,366 in 2004. Fourth destination is America, with 5, 445 in 2003 and 4, 316 in 2004 new hires and 6, 247 in 2003 and 6, 733 in 2004 re-hires OFWs, and there are more on different part of the world. The total land based OFWs is 284, 912 in 2003 and 279, 565 in 2004 are new hires and 419, 674 in 2003 and 372, 373 in 2004 are re-hires.

Philippines continue to be the top source of manpower not only land based, but also for ships all over the world, dominating 20 percent of the world’s fleet. Because of the demand in the seafarers, Philippines acceded to the White List of the International Maritime Organization for continuous compliance to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping Convention of 1995.

At the same time the human resource development (HRD) initiatives also helps the OFWs become competitive. They prepare the workers for the labor market. They build competencies through skills-to-work trainings, company-based training, assessment/certification, multi-skill, flexibility, competency-based training, internal reforms in the education system, national qualifications framework, building character that makes the Filipino distinct, resource mobilization/financing, government and industry cooperation, international benchmarking of standards, international benchmarking and mutual recognition of skills and qualifications.

Philippine HRD continue sustaining the competitiveness of the Filipino workers in the global arena and ensuring quick response to the specialized labor requirements of the new and emerging markets.

OFWs are top of the line, wherever and whenever they arrive, you’ve got only the best.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on January 10, 2006.

Monday, November 19, 2007

20M OFWs needed in Europe

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Western Europe reported that the European Union (EU) has projected that the continent would experience a shortfall of 20 million workers between 2010 and 2030.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Pacticia A. Sto. Tomas stated on Sunday that the shortage for foreign worker is attributed mainly to demographic decline due to the aging population.

Secretary Sto. Tomas said that Europe would need more foreign workers and certainly the projected requirements for foreign workers in Europe would attract OFWs.

The “Green Paper on Economic Migration,” was launched as the solution for the shortage of foreign workers in EU. Its aim is to facilitate the movement of economic migrants from non-EU contries in a bid to sustain the EU. It discussed how to harmonize the EU rules and procedures for migrants from non-EU of the third world countries.

"We may be seeing an exodus of OFWs to Europe in the coming years," she said noting that the POLO in Brussels would complement the other POLOs in other areas in Europe in promoting the employment and welfare of OFWs in the continent.

On the other hand new Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLPO) was opened in Brussels, Belgium to facilitate the provisions of programs and services to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Benelux countries in Western Europe.

Benelux is an economic union of three neighboring countries, consists of Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

DOLE Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas said that POLO, headed by Labor Attaché Ciriaco Lagunzad III, was set up in Brussels strengthen and make the programs and services of the government immediately available to OFWs in Belgium even those who are in the Netherlands and Luxembourg. It would also conduct marketing missions to find jobs for the OFWs not only in the Benelux Belgium but also in other European Union (EU) countries in coordination with other POLOs in Europe.

The services of POLO include the verification of employment documents and job orders, and the provision of on-site welfare services to the OFWs through the Filipino Workers Resource Centers (FWRCs).

The FWRC is a one-stop center which provides the OFWs various services such as counseling and legal service, medical and hospital services, repatriation, post-arrival orientation, settlement, community networking and other skills enhancement programs/activities, orientation program for returning workers, and conciliation of disputes arising from employer-employee relationship.

Likewise, other POLOs in Europe are located in Rome, Milan, Geneva, Madrid, Greece and London.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on January 4, 2006.

Deployment of OFWs in Iraq, still banned

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas said that the ban on the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Iraq is still in effect.

This is to avoid the incident of illegal recruitment of all OFWs who are being recruited to work in Iraq. The DOLE has Department Order No. 61-A-04 issued on November 8, 2004, which prohibits clearly any canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing, promising or advertising for employment to Iraq.

The attempt off the 88 OFWs to enter Iraq, DOLE will recommend to the Bureau of Immigrations (BI) the stamping of all Philippine passports with "not valid for travel to Iraq" on all departing passengers. Further more, to formalize the said recommendation, Sec. Sto. Tomas said that she would have an immediate coordination to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The DFA started stamping of “not valid for travel to Iraq” last year. This is their way to discourage OFWs to travel and work in Iraq. Buy still they were able to sneak, this is because according to some reports received by DOLE, that most of the OFWs or even would-be workers who succeeded in sneaking into Iraq holds passport issued before 2004. And this was proven when the 88 OFWs recently intercepted by Emirates immigration authorities were found to have been holding passports issued between 2002 and 2004 or prior to the implementation of the DFA measure.

Meanwhile, DOLE set to investigate the illegal recruitment and the accomplice of a Jordanian who is responsible in attempting to bring 88 would-be overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Iraq.

The Labor Attache to Dubai Vicente Cabe reported that 60 of the 88 OFWs have already been repatriated in two batches. The first batch of 40 OFWs arrived in Manila last Tuesday, December 13, onboard Gulf Air (26), Royal Brunei Airlines (5) and Thai Airways (9). Another 20 arrived Wednesday, December 14, 2005.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on December 17, 2005.

Red Carpet Welcome for OFWs

“Pasko’y Maligaya, Pamilya’y Sama-Sama is the theme of the 12th straight year of the grand welcome for vacationing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The said event, to be lead by the Overseas Worker Welfare Association (OWWA), will give a strong focus on family.

The 2005 Pamaskong Handog sa Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will be launched simultaneously on December 16, 2005 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and in other 16 regions in the country. Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas of the Department of Labor and Employment will lead the formal launching through the symbolic unfurling of the welcome banner for OFWs.

Special treatment will be given to the vacationing OFWs and their families starting December 16, 2005 to January 15, 2006. just like in the previous years, hassle-free, prompt and convenient services await them. Other agencies like the NAIA, Bureau of Customs, and others involved in ensuring efficient express lane services for vacationing OFWs during the entire season will be joining DOLE in the said program.

Returning OFWs can avail of essential services such as OWWA welfare enrollment, Phil-Health, Social Security System, and others services at the specials booths including super malls, to be set up in accessible areas.

Also, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration will bring closer its Balik Manggagawa services to the returning OFWs both as they arrive and as they return to their overseas work destinations after their vacation.

On the other hand, with the report done by DOLE, on January 1, 2005 almost 900,000 OFWs have been deployed globally in more than 180 destinations. It just shows a great demand for OFWs in the global arena.

The DOLE said that a total of 875,362 OFWs have been deployed globally as of November 30, 2005, representing a growth of +8,237 compared to 867,125 in the same period in 2004.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com December 15, 2005

Unskilled OFWs maybe deployed again

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) gives another chance for the unskilled overseas Filipino workers to be deployed with the minimum wage of $200 per month.

According to POEA administrator Rosalinda Baldoz, the unskilled OFW will be deployed provided that the recruiter of the OFW will shoulder their placement fees and, they came from the poverty zones.

Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, of the Department of Labor and Employment, mention about the “fly now pay later” program of the Banaybanay, Davao Oriental municipal government, 26 of its residents was sent to the Middle East. And according to her the local government paid the placement fee of another 30 applicants.

She then urged the local government units to find ways on how they can help their constituents find their source of living.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on December 12, 2005.

In demand jobs in Singapore

Singapore is a small country with a total land area of 697.1sq km but it opens its doors to the best and brightest talents from all over the world to share ground-breaking ideas and start a new business. It’s now rapidly taking its place among the world’s premier global cities.

On the first-ever study of economies conducted by the Swiss based, International Institute for a Management Development, with a population of under 20 million, Singapore has been in rank one in attracting top-flight global talents.

There are many opportunities being offered by Singapore. Among the new and exciting jobs are Arts and Entertainment, Banking and Finance, Biomedical Science, Chemicals, Communications and Media, Education Services, Engineering and Emerging Technology, Healthcare, Info-Communications Technology, Logistics and Transport, Regional based for multinational corporations (MNCs) and research development.

Arts and EntertainmentSingapore aims to become an international platform for regional art and performance. By forging a new pan-Asian identity, makes Singapore a unique position to spearhead entertainment trends in the region. The world's leading performers and arts companies now regard the city as a must-stop on their Asia-Pacific tours. The city aspires to become one of the top cultural cities in the world.

One of its most expensive investments in Asia is the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil from Quebec staged Alegria here. The successful staging of blockbuster musicals like Miss Saigon, as well as more intimate pieces like Rent and Chicago also highlights the city’s impressive performance infrastructure.As the young middle class begins to spend more on entertainment, the increasing number of interesting night spots shows that Singapore’s nightlife has grown. It makes the country a truly bustling city. Young-at-heart are indulging in pool, wine, and cigars these days at the various groovy hangouts.

Various shows featuring different cultures can be found all over Singapore. In Chinatown, visitors may have the chance to watch Chinese opera. Some hotels also feature dancing and music from all over the region. To find out when and where these shows are held, visitors can check local newspapers, weekly or fortnightly publications for details.

Among the in-demands talents in arts and entertainment in Singapore are: art auctioneer, arts administrator, arts agent, arts critics, arts curators, arts dealers, arts educators, arts manager, arts restorers and conservators, choreographer, dancer, lighting designer, musical instrument repair experts/technicians, performer/musician, playwright, scriptwriters, set designers, stage manger and technical directors.

Banking and FinanceThe increasing financial liberalization helps Singapore become a world-class financial center. A competitive pro-business stance has also sealed the city's reputation as an investment hub. As a matter of fact, Singapore is the leading insurance hub in Asia. The city continues to attract top financial talent from beyond its shores.

As part of the strategy to develop Singapore into a premier financial center, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) offers tax incentives for financial institution looking forward to set up their operation. To open the financial sector to greater competition MAS has taken its steps. First, is the timely introduction of the first phase of the banking liberalization program. Second, the merger of the cash and derivatives exchanges (to form the Singapore Exchange). And last, the liberalization of the insurance industry.

With the presence of the leading institutions, the financial industry of Singapore has galvanized. Banks which have their regional bases in Singapore include Citibank, ABN Amro and Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). Premier local financial institutions include the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS) and the United Overseas Bank (UOB). Currently there are more than 1, 000 local and foreign financial institutions based in Singapore.

A Financial Network for Excellence in Training was set up to promote collaboration in financial sector training. To co-fund programs that enhance the expertise and skills of executives, the Financial Sector Development Fund was also established.

Singapore needs, Private Bankers, Product Specialist, Relationship Managers, Tax Consultants and Trust Planning and Administration Professionals.

Biomedical sciences
Asia is seeing rapid development in biomedical science, with Singapore as the focal point of activities. World-class capabilities are being built in this city-state, across the entire value chain, from basic research, clinical development, product and process development, manufacturing to healthcare services.

Just like how people recognize Singapore in banking in finance, it also becomes the most exciting hubs for Biomedical Sciences in Asia. They developed Biomedical Sciences to achieve the same level of success as the other three pillars of the industry — electronics, chemicals and engineering.

There are three groups for biomedical science which was established to develop the Biomedical Science cluster - comprising pharmaceuticals, medical technology, biotechnology and healthcare services - into a key pillar of the Singapore economy. They are EDB's BMS group and Bio*One Capital, as well as A*STAR's BMRC work in close partnership.

Economic Development Board (EDB) is the lead agency that plans and executes strategies to sustain Singapore as a compelling global hub for business and investment. Agency for Science Technology and Research (A*STAR) BMRC is the national body that is responsible for developing the human capital to support, sustain and stimulate public sector biomedical research and development activities in Singapore. Bio*One Capital is a leading, dedicated biomedical sciences investment management company in Asia with a worldwide presence.

They offer manufacturing including Bioprocessing, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Formulation, R&D including Bioinformatics, Biomedical Engineering, Biostatistics, Clinical Research, Computational Biology, Medicinal Chemistry, Molecular & Cell Biology.
Chemicals

Singapore, as the third largest oil refining center, is looking at building on its traditional strength as a petrochemicals hub. About 14% of the country’s manufacturing output was contributed by the chemical sector.

The centralized location of Jurong Island provides oil producers, petrochemical companies and service providers with sophisticated infrastructure and logistics.

Singapore is looking for Chemical Engineering Technician (General), Chemical Engineering Technician (Petroleum), Chemical Engineering Technician (Petrochemicals), other Chemical Engineering Technician.

Communication and Media
Singapore is not really being left behind, even in communication and media their industry are taking place. Media giants like Disney Singapore, CNBC Asia, MTV Asia, and Cable & Reuters all have regional bases in Singapore. Currently there are 17 satellites broadcasters that link-up from Singapore. Fifteen of these have staff and offices operating in Singapore. To name a few are BBC, CNBC Asia, Discovery Asia, HBO Asia, and Walt Disney Television.

Cable broadcasting, wireless communications, broadcast communication and programming take greater opportunity. The communications and media industry engages in the development, creation and delivery of content and multimedia services. The services offered include: fixed and mobile line services, satellite up-link and down-link services, data communication, internet services provision, radio and TV broadcasting, national postal systems & couriers.

In demand jobs are 3D-Animators, animation director, character designer, Director, director of photography (DOP) or cinematographer, editor, games designer, producer, production and art director, regional translator and subtitler, script writer, senior games programmer, sound/audio designers/engineers and technical directors.

Education Services
Top universities all over the world already exist in Singapore. This includes Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Georgia Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, INSEAD, The University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, Tecnische Universiteit Eindhoven, Tecnische Universitat Munchen, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Stanford University has a presence in Singapore. And is still supporting support strategic partnerships between local and overseas brand name universities.

In need of childcare teacher, education methods advisor, infant-care teacher, language school teacher, nursery school teacher, other teaching professional, pre-school teacher, Pre-U and secondary school teacher, primary school teacher, school Principle, teachers for International Baccalaureate (IB).

Engineering and Emerging TechnologyAmong the manufacturing industry in Singapore, engineering is one of the most established. Its aim is to promote integrated, multi-disciplinary capabilities and compete in the global marketplace with new applications.

Nanotechnology, micro-electromechanical systems, photonics, and industrial IT includes Singapore expertise in the emerging technology. It makes Singapore leads in technology applications in industries. Currently, Singapore is one of the leading regional hubs for semiconductor production. Soon, Singapore well placed to become the manufacturing hub for emerging technologies in Asia.

Talents in demand in Singapore for engineering are aerospace maintenance engineers, analog/mixed signal, back engineering design/semi custom chip design, microcontroller based SoC design (automotive, industrial and multi-market product), Computer validation engineers, IC design ASIC architect, project managers, R and D engineers, research engineers.

HealthcareRising standards of living, high standards of education, good housing, safe water supply and sanitation, a high level of medical services and the active promotion of preventive medicine, have all helped to significantly boost the health of Singaporeans.

Singapore is rapidly becoming the center of global medical research, education and advanced medical care. That’s why thousands of patients from Asia flock to Singapore for specialized treatment each year. Currently there are total of 28 hospitals and specialty centers in the city and about 80 healthcare companies are based in Singapore. To name some are Glaxo-SmithKline, Siemens Medical and Baxter Healthcare.

With a rapidly aging population, there will be a greater need for home healthcare and nursing services. Singapore continues to welcome large numbers of qualified medical practitioners.
And they will be needing assistant nurse, auditory verbal therapist, clinical coder, clinical laboratory technicians/medical technologist, dieticians, industrial nurse, medical social worker, midwife, nutritionist, occupational therapist, other nurses, pharmacist, physiotherapy, podiatrists, psychologist, radiation therapists, radiographers, registered nurse/enrolled nurses, respiratory therapist, specialized nurse and speech therapist.

Info Communication TechnologySingapore won’t stop to develop the industry; it rides with the global flow in info-communication technology (ICT). In fact it intends to be the global hub in Asia for digital economy.
The pro-information technology environment which was nurtured by the Singapore government in last 15 years, helped prepare the city for the transition to IT products and services. The advances of industry are slated to increase the quality and standard of living in Singapore.

Talent in demand are : application programmer, broadcasting operation technician, computer and information systems manager, computer and related electronic equipment mechanic, computer engineer, computer operations and network manager, computer system operator, computer technician, database administrator, information technology auditor, information technology quality assurance specialist, multimedia artist and animator, multimedia programmer, network and computer systems administrator, network systems and data communication analyst, other information technology manager, other information professional, other telecommunications equipment operators, software engineer, system programmer, system designer and analyst, telecommunications engineers, telecommunications installer and services, telecommunications lineman, telecommunications service supervisor and telecommunications technician.

Logistics and TransportSingapore plans to become a world-class specialist provider in chemical, electronics and other related fields. The industry is expected to provide one-stop integrated solutions for manufacturing and other services due to the increasing outsource of the new economy.
Singapore’s marine and offshore is widely known because of its strengths in offshore exploration and production platforms. Likewise, the sea and air transportation both rated as one of the best in the world.

Currently over 3,000 international and local logistics companies are there in Singapore.Talents in demand: project manager, supply chain solutions, regional logistics manager, associate consultants/project engineers, consultants/project managers, commercial/engineering design, engineers, production engineers, project managers and senior project engineers.

Regional Based for Multinational CorporationsSingapore is becoming the premier location to start up multinational corporations (MNCs) for the regional operation. It ranked as the best business environment in Asia-Pacific by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2003, while the BERI report Singapore ranked the second most profitable place in the world for investors.

Establishing of more headquarter operations will attract more companies to offer business services such as legal services, consultancy, market research and public relations.
Research and Development

The continuous success of Singapore is really unstoppable. To strengthen their private and public sector in research and development (R&D) proposals, Singapore aims to capitalized its science and technology(S&T) capabilities.
More collaborative partnerships with world-class research organizations and institutions are expected in the S&T plan in the year 2005. Singapore nurtures a culture of entrepreneurship through an 'Enterprise Ecosystem'.

Talents in demand: research and development professionals in; information technology, biochemical technology agro biology, environmental technology, manufacturing and engineering technologies, electronics and advanced material and biomedical sciences.

This article was first published in www.ofwguide.com on December 10, 2005

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