Documentation Costs (Payable by Worker)
- Includes expenses for:
- Passport
- NBI/Police/Barangay clearances
- Authentications
- Birth Certificate
- Medicare
- PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar)
- Trade test (optional)
- Inoculation (optional, only if required by destination country)
- Medical examination fees
- Medical exams to be conducted only after interview, trade test, or pre-qualification for a specific approved overseas job order.
- If agency provides documentation services, worker pays only actual government fees.
- All payments must be supported by official receipts showing exact amount paid by the worker.
Processing Costs (Payable by Employer)
- Includes expenses for:
- Visa
- Airfare
- POEA processing fee
- OWWA Membership fee
Exclusions and Special Markets
- Placement fee ceiling and guidelines do not apply to Taiwan and Korea special markets.
- Department Orders Nos. 2, 17, and 17-A, Series of 1993 and 1994 respectively, govern these markets.
Prohibitions on Additional Charges
- Only the specified placement fee and documentation costs may be collected from workers.
- No other charges, regardless of form or purpose, may be imposed without prior POEA approval.
Penalties for Violation
- Agencies violating the guidelines will be penalized under existing overseas employment laws.
- Illegal recruitment charges under R.A. 8042 may also be filed.
Encouragement for Non-Fee Charging Agencies
- Agencies and employers currently not charging placement fees are encouraged to maintain this practice.
Effective Date
- The Memorandum Circular became effective immediately upon issuance on January 27, 1997.