Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA Memorandum Circular No. 11)
The IDES is designed to simplify the hiring process for foreign workers under the Special Hiring Program for Taiwan (SHPT), allowing Taiwanese employers to directly hire workers including OFWs without the participation of private recruitment agencies or brokers, thereby reducing processing time and mobilization costs.
The SHPT is a government-to-government hiring arrangement between the Philippine government and Taiwan implemented through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)'s Government Placement Branch (GPB), aimed at facilitating the employment of OFWs in Taiwan.
Yes, Taiwanese employers who have a valid registration with Philippine Recruitment Agencies can hire OFWs under the SHPT based on dual registration subject to certain guidelines.
Dual registration refers to the allowance for Taiwanese employers who are registered with private recruitment agencies to also register under the SHPT program, enabling them to hire workers through both channels.
The employer must provide an official endorsement by the MECO Labor Center, a master employment contract, and a manpower request indicating positions and corresponding compensation packages, all duly verified by MECO Labor Center.
The GPB is required to send a written notice to the PRA informing them that their registered employer is recruiting workers under the SHPT.
The Government Placement Branch assumes responsibility over workers deployed under the SHPT-IDES, while the respective Private Recruitment Agencies assume responsibility over the workers they deploy.
Taiwanese employers must provide a uniform compensation package for all workers hired regardless of whether they are hired through a private recruitment agency or under the SHPT.
The mobilization costs paid by workers under the SHPT shall apply, which are generally lower than those for workers hired through private recruitment agencies.
Private recruitment agencies registered with Taiwanese employers will be notified when their employers hire workers under SHPT, and they remain responsible for workers they have deployed, ensuring that their interests and accountability are maintained despite dual registration.