Don’t apply at agencies or entities not licensed by the POEA, such as consultancy firms, training centres, travel agencies and foundations that promise jobs abroad.
Don’t deal with licensed agencies without approved job orders.
Don’t transact with any person who is not an authorized representative of a licensed agency.
Don’t transact business outside the registered address of the agency. If recruitment is conducted in the province or through jobs fairs, check if the agency has a Special Recruitment Authority (SRA) or Jobs Fair Authority issued by POEA, or ask the local Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
Don’t pay more than the allowed maximum placement fee. It should not be more than one-month salary only. No placement fee for household service workers, seafarers and workers going to countries which prohibit the charging of such fee. However, the applicants shall shoulder the documentation costs such as passport, pre-employment medical exam, trade test, etc.
Don’t pay placement fee unless you have signed an employment contract. Always demand for an official receipt reflecting the actual amount paid.
Don’t be fooled by attractive job offers through the internet that require applicants to immediately remit payment for intended visa, airfare and processing costs, which should be shouldered by the employer
Don’t be enticed by ads or brochures requiring you to reply to a post office (P.O.) box and to enclose payment for application forms and processing of papers.
Don’t accept overseas jobs using a tourist or visit visa.
