Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 19, S. 1997)
The Circular covers all household workers, male or female, who render domestic or household service abroad under contract for compensation, including domestic helpers, maids, houseboys, nannies, babysitters, caregivers, caretakers, tutors, governesses, cooks, sewers, beauticians, masseurs, masseuses, drivers, and gardeners.
Female household workers must be at least 25 years old to be deployed to Kuwait and at least 30 years old to be deployed to Saudi Arabia.
Male household workers must be at least 18 years old to be deployed to Kuwait and at least 21 years old to be deployed to Saudi Arabia.
Household workers must possess basic literacy skills and experience or training for the job required. Those without prior experience must undergo training with licensed agencies or training centers and pass testing by TESDA-accredited centers.
TESDA provides a standard training curriculum focusing on Home Management Courses. It accredits testing centers that assess household workers' competencies, and the issuance of a testing certificate from TESDA is required for processing employment contracts.
Direct hiring is allowed for members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and other employers as may be allowed by the Secretary of Labor and Employment.
Requirements include a request for processing, verified individual employment contract, employer’s particulars with a separate employer’s index form, photocopy of employer’s passport or ID, visa/work permit, valid medical clearance, worker’s information sheet, testing certificate, and other documents as deemed necessary.
They must submit a Pre-Qualification Certificate, Verified Special Power of Attorney/Recruitment Agreement, License to operate a placement agency, Verified manpower request detailing required positions and qualifications, Master Employment Contract, and other requirements as may be necessary.
The Welfare and Employment Office (WEO) shall monitor workers' welfare in coordination with Philippine Overseas Labor Officers. Recruitment and foreign agencies must assist in dispute settlement, repatriation, and blacklisting/watchlisting of erring principals. Licensed agencies must submit quarterly monitoring reports on workers' whereabouts and conditions.
It includes commitments that the agency will assume joint and solidary liability with the direct employer, ensure faithful implementation of employment contracts, allow workers to notify the nearest Philippine Embassy/Consulate within two days of arrival, and comply with additional requirements that the POLO may prescribe.