Law Summary
Definition of Registration
- Registration is the formal recording of name hires in the official POEA records before their deployment abroad.
Coverage of Guidelines
- Applies to landbased Filipino name hires, excluding household workers.
- Only workers directly hired by employers qualify.
- Agency-endorsed name hires are disallowed.
Minimum Employment Contract Provisions
- Wages must meet or exceed minimum salary set by host country law, bilateral agreements, or international conventions.
- Employers must provide free transportation or offsetting benefits.
- Free food and accommodation or corresponding benefits are mandated.
- Contracts must outline just causes for termination based on host country laws and customs.
- Employers are responsible for repatriation or disposition of worker’s remains, coordinated with next-of-kin or Philippine embassies.
- POEA may disapprove contracts conflicting with law, morality, or public policy.
Documentary Requirements for Registration
- Name hires must submit: valid passport, employment contract or offer, visa/work permit, medical fitness certificate with photo, orientation attendance certificate, and OFW information sheet.
- Requirements may vary by country or skill under POEA guidelines.
- Contracts for professionals going to developed countries may not require verification unless specified.
Medical Examination
- Pre-employment medical exams are mandatory at DOH-accredited or embassy-recognized facilities following host country standards.
- POEA provides a list of accredited clinics and medical referral forms.
- "Unfit to work" or expired medical certificates prevent registration unless employer assumes full medical liability.
- Exemptions allowed if host country requires post-arrival exams with employer guarantee of repatriation for medical issues.
Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar
- Mandatory seminar for all first-time name hires, except those returning to the same jobsite.
- Professional workers may receive a tailored briefing on relevant information.
Payment of Fees
- Employer pays: POEA processing fee of $100 and OWWA contribution of $25 (or peso equivalent).
- Worker pays: Medicare premium of PHP 900.
- Payment completion results in issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate or electronic receipt.
Accredited/Registered Employers
- If foreign employer is accredited with a Philippine agency, notification to the agency is required before registration of the name hire.
- Registration may proceed without agency clearance if the worker submits an affidavit waiving recourse against the agency for employer breaches.
Monitoring of Registered Name Hires
- POEA Satellite Offices must regularly send lists of registered name hires to POEA Central Office.
- Information is forwarded to Philippine Embassies, Consulates, or POLOs for ongoing monitoring.