Filipino Job Seekers To UAE - Do Not Travel With UAE Tourist Visas

Urgent update from Abu Dhabi has asked Filipino job seekers to not travel to UAE in search for jobs on a tourist visa as these Filipino job-seekers are more vulnerable to exploitation and likely to accept anything offered to them by the prospective employers to beat their visa expiry dates.

Philippine Ambassador to the UAE Libran N. Cabactulan issued this official statement as the UAE government is going to implement stricter requirements for visit and tourist visas from August 1 this year. The Khaleej Times Online, expounds on this:

He said the UAE government is stipulating the new visit visa guidelines because it is better for both the country of origin and the UAE to have no people on visit visas if the same creates problems for workers, employers and their respective governments.

The Philippine Ambassador said of the ten Filipino job-seekers who come on visit visas, only three or even less find the right job they have ever wanted.

"Those who get jobs are also vulnerable to low salary offers and inhumane working conditions as the employers take advantage of the job-seeker's situation," he said.

He advised all Filipino workers to go to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Manila to find out whatever jobs are available in the UAE and which manpower agencies are recruiting workers to fill in these vacancies before coming to Dubai.

"If our job-seekers insist on finding jobs through the usual procedure, the employers here cannot offer them a salary much lower than what they should receive and won't have the chance to take advantage of them in any way," he added.

The UAE is now second to Saudi Arabia in hiring professional and skilled Filipino workers. Hence, there is a great opportunity for Filipinos to come here as a registered and bona fide worker through the usual employment channel instead of taking risks by coming on visit visas, the ambassador said.

Those who are already here must try their best to convert themselves into resident workers, he said. Once they get employed, they should register themselves with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at the Philippine Overseas Labour Office in Deira to avail themselves of all benefits and rights due to a Filipino overseas worker.

How to Get a Temporary Work Visa for Canada

For faster processing and for proper compliance with Canada’s immigration regulations of both employers and workers, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued guidelines in obtaining temporary work permit applications in Canada.

The processing of temporary work permit for Filipinos who wants to work in Canada will be based on a first come, first served basis so it is beneficial if you know the following information:

Tips and Guidelines
Prepare and submit all requirements listed below:

· National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance

· Immigration medical examination certificate (issued by designated clinic or medical practitioner)

· Evidence that you intend to go back to the Philippines upon the expiration of the temporary work permit

Work permit application costs: CDN$150 (more or less Php 6,768).

Note: It is advisable to pay in Canadian dollars. If ever your visa is denied, the money is not refundable.

In filling up application forms, it is important to provide adequate, true and complete information on the applicant’s mode of recruitment (e.g. agency-hired or name-hired), selection (e.g. thru interview, written examination, etc.), and the applicant’s qualifications and expertise (education, job experiences, etc.). The Embassy also demands fluency in the English language.


The Temporary Foreign Workers in Occupations Under Pressure Program will only be valid for two years in Canada. The POEA advisory also informed that academic qualifications and good command of either English or French language are some of the major basis of a Canadian employer in choosing potential employees. Knowledge of English or French language is required to ensure that applicants will be able to perform the job satisfactorily and to effectively function in Canadian society.

If the applicant fails to meet the language or education criteria, a letter (from the employer) that affirms his/her qualifications is required. The letter must contain the reasons why the worker is essential for the employer’s business operations.

Manpower agencies are not allowed to collect any recruitment fees from the applicants. The applicant’s employer must shoulder the travel cost. The Canadian human rights legislation states that both Filipino workers should enjoy the same salary as what their Canadian counterparts are getting.

Embassy of Canada (Philippines)
9th Floor, Allied Bank Center
6754 Ayala Avenue
Makati City, Metro Manila
Telephone: (63-2) 867-0001

Via OFWguide.com of POEA