Guam to accept foreign workers in 2010
Filipinos planning to find jobs abroad as early as now should already brace for the opening of another market in Guam two years from now.
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) regional manager for Western Visayas Rhea Glenda Calantas said Guam is another emerging market for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), making it as another alternative especially for those who are affected by the economic slowdown in the United States.
Guam will join the list of other emerging markets such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
"This is a good prospect but the employment requirement is very strict. There is a demand but the required experience is 10 years," Calantas explained.
However, she warned that there are no guidelines yet as regard the deployment of workers to Guam.
"There is a demand now but their government is not yet ready to bring in foreign workers," she cited.
As preparation for the impending opening, some recruitment agencies, according to Calantas are sending their clients to other countries abroad to gain experience and ‘to increase their employability.'
The opening at present is in Canada, she said.
She added that those who are interested can apply only through licensed recruitment agencies or through name hire where they will be sponsored by their employer.
"There is no hiring through the POEA and there are no payments required.
"Employers in Canada, Australia and United Kingdom prohibit the collection of fees because they are the ones shouldering the expenses. That's why recruitment agencies have no reason to extract fees," she added. (PNA)