Hiring a domestic helper directly from the Philippines may be perceived as a difficult task, but it does not have to be. The process does involve some formalities and procedures, but with the right guidance and resources, it can be done smoothly.
Let’s discuss the benefits, requirements, steps, and the agencies to contact for hiring a domestic helper from the Philippines.
BENEFITS
Hiring a domestic helper or nanny from the Philippines can bring many benefits to families. Here are some of the key benefits:
RELIABILITY: Domestic helpers from the Philippines are known for their reliability and strong work ethic. They are known to be hardworking, dedicated, and take their responsibilities seriously.
EXPERIENCE: Many domestic helpers from the Philippines have previous experience in childcare and household management. They are skilled in cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other household tasks.
CHILDCARE SKILLS: Domestic helpers from the Philippines often have experience caring for children, and they have a natural affinity for children. They can provide excellent care and companionship for children, as well as help with homework and other activities.
COST-EFFECTIVE: Hiring a domestic helper from the Philippines can be cost-effective for families. In most cases, the cost of hiring a domestic helper is lower than the cost of hiring a local nanny or babysitter.
CULTURAL COMPATIBILITY: The Philippines and many other countries have a similar culture, language, and values. This can make it easier for domestic helpers from the Philippines to adapt to their new environment and understand the family’s needs.
FLEXIBILITY: Domestic helpers can be flexible and can help with various tasks around the house, which can be particularly helpful for families with children.
HELP WITH LANGUAGE: Many domestic helpers from the Philippines are fluent in English, which can be beneficial for families who want to expose their children to a different language.
REQUIREMENTS
When hiring a domestic helper or nanny from the Philippines, there are several requirements that employers must meet in order to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. These include:
WORKING WITH AN ACCREDITED AGENCY: Employers must work with a Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) accredited agency to recruit domestic helpers from the Philippines. The POEA is responsible for registering and approving domestic helpers for work abroad.
PROVIDING A CLEAR JOB DESCRIPTION AND EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT: Employers must provide a clear job description and employment contract that outlines the duties and responsibilities of the domestic helper, as well as the terms of the employment.
SECURING NECESSARY DOCUMENTS: Employers must ensure that the domestic helper has all the necessary documents, such as a passport, work permit, police clearance and medical certificate before they start working.
COMPLYING WITH IMMIGRATION LAWS: Employers must comply with the immigration laws and regulations of the country where the domestic helper will be working. This includes obtaining the necessary visa and ensuring that the domestic helper meets all the requirements for entry.
PAYING THE CORRECT SALARY AND BENEFITS: Employers must pay the domestic helper the correct salary and benefits as per the agreement between both parties, and as per the labor laws in the country of residence.
PROVIDING SAFE AND COMFORTABLE LIVING CONDITIONS: Employers must provide safe and comfortable living conditions for the domestic helper, which includes the provision of a separate room.
TREATING THE HELPER WITH RESPECT AND KINDNESS: Employers must treat the domestic helper with respect and kindness, and should not subject them to any form of abuse or exploitation.
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO CONTACT
When hiring a domestic helper from the Philippines, there are several government agencies that you will need to contact in order to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. These include:
PHILIPPINE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATION (POEA)
This is the first step in the process to work with a Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) accredited agency. The POEA is responsible for registering and approving domestic helpers for work abroad. They will also provide the domestic helper with an overseas employment certificate (OEC), which is required for them to work in another country.
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS (DFA) – This agency is responsible for issuing the necessary travel documents for the domestic helper, such as a passport and visa.
BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION (BI) – This agency is responsible for regulating the entry and exit of foreign nationals, including domestic helpers. They will issue the necessary visa for the domestic helper to enter your country.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) – This agency is responsible for ensuring compliance with labor laws and regulations, including the terms of the domestic helper’s employment contract.
EMBASSY OF YOUR COUNTRY IN PHILIPPINES – This agency will facilitate the documentation process of the domestic helper and can provide additional information on the visa requirements.
Here are the websites for the government agencies you would need to contact for hiring a domestic helper or nanny from the Philippines:
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – https://www.dfa.gov.ph/
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) – http://www.poea.gov.ph/
Bureau of Immigration (BI) – https://www.immigration.gov.ph/
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – https://www.dole.gov.ph/
Embassy of your country in Philippines – You can search on Google for the Embassy of your country in Philippines, usually they have a website where you can find more information about the requirements and procedures.
STEPS
Here is a step-by-step process to help guide you through the process of hiring a domestic helper from the Philippines:
Research: Look into different agencies that specialize in recruiting domestic helpers from the Philippines. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or family.
Interview: Schedule an interview with the agency to discuss your specific needs and requirements. Ask about the agency’s screening process and ensure that they conduct background checks on potential candidates.
Screen Candidates: Review resumes and conduct interviews with potential candidates via video call. Make sure to ask about their qualifications, experience, and references.
Secure necessary documents: After finding a suitable candidate, ensure that they have all the necessary documents such as passport, work permit, police clearance and medical certificate.
Complete paperwork: Work with the agency to complete the necessary paperwork and prepare for the candidate’s arrival.
Obtain the necessary visa: Contact the appropriate government agencies such as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Bureau of Immigration (BI) and your embassy in Philippines to start the visa application process.
Prepare for the candidate’s arrival: Make sure that the living quarters are ready for the domestic helper. Provide them with a clear job description and employment contract and the terms of the employment. Have clear communication with your helper and treat them with respect and kindness.
It’s important to note that the specific requirements and process may vary depending on your country of residence and the agency you are working with. It is recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure that everything is done legally and correctly.