Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 1, S. 2004)
Name hire refers to a worker who secures an overseas employment opportunity without the assistance or participation of a recruitment agency.
The guidelines apply to landbased Filipino workers hired by direct employers, excluding household workers; agency-endorsed name hires are not allowed.
Registration is the act of entering the names of name hires who will depart for overseas employment into the official records of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
The contract must include guaranteed wages not lower than the prescribed minimum wage, free transportation, free food and accommodation or offsetting benefits, just/authorized causes for termination, and provisions for repatriation of worker’s remains.
Yes, the POEA can disapprove contracts containing provisions contrary to law, morals, and public policy.
Documents required include a valid passport (original and photocopy), signed employment contract or offer, visa or work permit, medical fitness certificate with photo, certificate of attendance to employment orientation, and a duly accomplished OFW Info Sheet.
Yes, name hires must undergo medical examinations at accredited clinics according to host country requirements, except when the host country requires medical examination upon arrival and guarantees repatriation if a medical problem arises.
Yes, except for those returning to the same jobsite; professional category workers may receive a special briefing on relevant information requirements.
Employer pays the POEA processing fee and OWWA contribution, while the worker pays the Medicare coverage premium.
The POEA will notify the agency but may still proceed with registration if the worker submits an affidavit declaring no recourse against the agency if the employer reneges on contractual obligations.
The offices regularly transmit lists of registered name hires to the POEA Central Office for forwarding to Philippine Embassies, Consulates, or Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in host countries for monitoring.