Safety by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free

Overseas Filipino workers contribute a significant income to the Philippine economy in the form of remittance, taxes, and the betterment of their economy. However, working in other countries comes with a set of own challenges and risks. Here are some tips to make sure a secure and successful life abroad.

 

1. Know your rights

Before going abroad, familiarize yourself with the labor laws of your host country. Understand your rights and obligations as an employee.You can know this through the contract you signed before accepting the offer. Research the host country’s culture, religion, labour, local laws and immigration laws.

 

        2. Secure legal documentation

Remember that working on a tourist visa paid or unpaid is illegal. Working on a tourist visa can resurt in jail time and deportation. Always secure employment from DMW licensed overseas manpower agency. DMW refers to Department of Migrant Workers which is the Philippine government agency that handles OFW affairs and welfare. 

 

        3. Familiarize yourself with your surroundings

Familiarize yourself with the customs, local culture, and laws. Avoid unnecessary conflict, know the location of the Philippine consulate and embassy for easy access in times of need. Here’s a list from the Department of Foreign affairs. 

 

List of DFA Foreign Service Posts

 

        4. Maintain a good health

Ensure you’re in good health before working abroad, which is why OFW aspirants require Health checks or medical checkups. If you go abroad with a serious illness or getting past unchecked in your own country, you’ll get denied a working visa or returned home - the worst part - ending up expiring in a foreign land. Some countries bar inbound foreigners with the following infectious diseases. Note: Take note restrictions of the above communicable diseases depends on the country.
 

• Chancroid

• Gonorrhea

• Granuloma inguinale

• Hepatitis

• Leprosy (infectious)

• Lymphogranuloma venereum

• Syphilis (infectious)

• Tuberculosis (active)

 

Some diseases that can increase the risk of dying in other countries include:

• Cancer

• Diabetes

• Heart problems

 

      5. Join a support group

Countries with significant Filipino expats form associations that uphold and promote welfare. These groups are there to aid OFWs in distress involving visa problems, legal trouble in host country and job support. Such support group is important to augment the Philippine government agencies, consulates, and embassies.

 

      6. Save and Invest

You can’t be working and an OFW forever unless you can find a good country with better welfare support. Most OFWs, after their stint abroad, return to the Philippines for good, reintegrate, find a better job, build a business or just retire. Save your money and invest it wisely.