Updated February 9, 2017
Are you an OFW? Avoid getting scammed!
The number of OFWs constantly grows each year as Filipinos strive to give their families the means to financially survive.
Being away from loved ones in times of celebrations and mourning constitutes most of the OFWs struggles, yet they bare it for years in exchange for a chance to give them a better future.
A lot of Filipinos aspire to be an OFW as this usually means a higher paycheck, however, you must also know that there are a lot of requirements and fees that do not come cheap, and many crooks take advantage of those who do not know how much they should really pay.
Avoid scams and red tapes by keeping yourself informed.
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Placement Fees For OFW
There will be agencies who will ask for placements fees. We usually hear placements fees among other OFWs, and this makes fresh applicants usually think that a placement fee is actually common. When should you or should you not pay a placement fee?
First of all, you must remember that certain countries do not require a placement fee. This includes the USA if you are an H2B Visa holder, United Kingdom, certain areas in Canada: Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia), New Zealand, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, and Ireland.
Before paying, you must first sign the contract and check if the amount is less than your one month worth of salary abroad. Once paid, do not forget to ask for an official receipt and not just a cash voucher. The receipt must have accurate details, especially the amount of the placement fee.
If you are a domestic helper or a seaman/seafarer, you don’t have to pay any placement fee. If you notice that you are about to pay a higher amount than you should, ask your agency if they had added any other fees.
It is also important to make sure that you are given the right visa for your job. We have heard news of kababayans who were promised of jobs in hospitals and hotels but ended up as domestic helpers.
Take your time to research on your prospect country’s offered visa as this will serve as your protection and may have certain benefits such as being allowed to bring your family with you.
OFW Training Fee
This will depend on your employer’s preference. While some employers require their employees to have a training certificate from specific private training centers, others accept TESDA certificates.
There are currently more than 200 TESDA courses being offered and some can be taken online.
The most common courses taken by OFWs are Caregiving, Visual Graphic Design, Massage Therapy, Automotive, Diesel Power Plant Maintenance, CAD/CAM Operation, Carpentry, Electrical Installation, Construction, and Welding.
The prices of Assessment Fees can range from Php100 to Php700.
OFW Documentation Fee
Good news for OFWs, Department of Labor and Employment has opened a one-stop shop to get your paper works from all government frontline services in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive that OFWs must be able to get their documents faster.
You can find this One-Stop Service Center for OFWs (OSSCO) in the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration’s (POEA) main office located at Blas F. Ople Building.
If your recruitment agency has documentation services, you must pay the right costs of the documents and ask for the receipts.
OFW Processing Fees and others
Unlike in the past, OFWs are no longer required to be a member of PhilHealth, but having one is encouraged as it will be very useful in case you or your dependent get hospitalized.
You must also make sure that your employer will pay for your plane ticket and it must not be charged from your salary. Should you feel that your agency is taking advantage of you, you can report to the POEA.
Where do OFWs get money for their fees?
Relatives
Relatives usually help each other in times of financial need. As we usually view having an OFW in a family is swerte, the family members try to help send their loved one abroad.
On the other hand, some of the relatives who are willing to help the OFW will then expect ‘utang swerte, the family members try to help send their loved one abroad. On the other hand, some of the relatives who are willing to help the OFW will then expect ‘utang na loob.’
Sold Assets
A lot of OFWs came from the province. To provide for their application and processing costs, they had sold their assets such as farming lands and residential lots.
OFW Loan Assistance
There are different kinds of loans an OFW can apply for. Some loans can be paid for long-term and others are short term. It is important to choose the best loan that fit your needs and circumstances.
If you are looking for a flexible personal loan in the Philippines, you will find it in Cash Mart. Unlike in OFW loans which required a lot of other requirements that are not easily acquired, Cash Mart offers various loans with a minimum required paperwork. Do not pass up a unique opportunity just because you lack finances today, get a loan from the best online lending company – Cash Mart.
