Law Summary
Exceptions to the Direct Hiring Ban
- Direct hiring of Filipino domestic workers bound for Malaysia is prohibited except for specific employers:
- Members of the diplomatic corps
- International organizations
- Heads of states and government officials with rank of at least deputy minister
Issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)
- The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Kuala Lumpur shall not issue the OEC to Filipinos who entered Malaysia as tourists and are currently working there.
- These individuals must secure their OEC at the POEA or its satellite offices upon their return to the Philippines for vacation.
Registration and Access to Government Services
- Filipino domestic workers who entered Malaysia as tourists but found employment must register with POLO-Kuala Lumpur.
- This registration enables them to access on-site government services.
Advisory for Prospective Applicants
- Individuals seeking employment in Malaysia are strongly advised to undergo legal processing of their employment contracts through the POEA.
- Applicants should verify the authenticity of their job offers by checking job orders with POEA via their official website and hotlines.
Contact Information for Verification
- POEA website: poea.gov.ph
- POEA hotlines: 722-11-44 and 722-11-55
Overall Objective
- These measures aim to protect Filipino domestic workers and ensure that their employment abroad complies with legal and regulatory standards.