5 Best Places for Filipinos to Work Abroad

by Juan2024.11.2016 minutes read

For Filipinos, working abroad is often an important way to improve their lives and pursue their dreams. In all corners of the world, there are five places that are particularly attractive to Filipinos because of their unique advantages and opportunities, providing more job opportunities for all.

Hong Kong,China

Hong Kong(China), relying on its geographical proximity to the Philippines, vibrant business environment, and cultural integration, has opened up new employment paths for Filipinos.

Close Geographical Location for Easy Commuting

Hong Kong is close to the Philippines, and the air travel between the two places is convenient, allowing Filipinos to travel back and forth easily within a short flight.

This convenience is especially crucial when dealing with family emergencies, such as a family member falling ill or important family events, enabling them to return home in a timely manner. Moreover, the airfare is sometimes quite affordable, reducing travel costs.

Vibrant Business Environment with Diverse Job Opportunities

●Financial Sector:

Hong Kong is an international financial center with numerous international banks and financial institutions.

Job requirements usually include a bachelor's degree or above, proficiency in English reading, writing, and speaking, and an age range of 22 - 45 years. Relevant professional certificates in finance, such as a securities practitioner qualification certificate, are preferred.

Filipinos can work as bank customer service representatives here, answering customers' questions and handling account-related business, or engage in data entry work in financial companies, sorting out financial transaction data, etc., with a monthly salary of approximately 40,000 - 60,000 Philippine pesos.

●Trade Industry:

There are numerous trade companies with busy business operations.

Generally, a junior college degree is required, along with a familiarity with trade processes and fluent English communication skills. The age range is usually 20 - 40 years. Relevant qualifications such as a foreign trade documentation clerk certificate may be needed.

The trade assistant position is responsible for handling order processes, coordinating logistics transportation, and other key tasks.

●Hotel and Tourism Industry:

Hong Kong's tourism industry is prosperous, with a high demand for hotel and tourism-related jobs.

The educational requirement is relatively lenient, with a high school or vocational school diploma being sufficient. Basic English communication skills are required, along with a good appearance and an affable personality. The age range is 18 - 50 years. Some positions may require a health certificate, such as a food hygiene health certificate for food service positions.

One can work as a hotel front desk receptionist or provide quality service in a restaurant, with a monthly income of about 30,000 - 50,000 Philippine pesos.

●Domestic Service Workers:

There is a stable demand for domestic service workers in Hong Kong.

Requirements include domestic service experience, patience, meticulousness, and proficiency in household management, taking care of children or the elderly, etc. The age range is 20 - 50 years.

Usually, relevant domestic service training certificates are required, such as a domestic service skills certificate. The monthly income is approximately 12,000 - 18,000 Philippine pesos.

Cultural Compatibility for Easy Adaptation

Due to its history, English is widely used in Hong Kong, facilitating communication for Filipinos.

The inclusive multicultural environment allows Filipinos to retain their own cultural customs, such as celebrating traditional festivals and running small shops selling items from their hometowns. Filipinos can quickly integrate into local life and get along harmoniously with people from all walks of life.

Employment Guide

For some large enterprises or regular job positions, one can apply through official recruitment websites. For example, the website of the Hong Kong Labour Department will release some job information. One can also pay attention to the cooperative recruitment information between local labor export agencies in the Philippines and Hong Kong enterprises.

If applying through an intermediary, one should be cautious and choose a qualified and reputable intermediary agency to avoid being scammed. When signing a contract, carefully read the terms and clarify key information such as job content, salary and benefits, and working hours.

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, with its prosperous oil industry, religious and cultural connections with the Philippines, and a large demand for labor, attracts many Filipinos to work there.

Booming Oil Industry with Ample Employment Opportunities

Saudi Arabia is extremely rich in oil resources, and its oil industry is booming, covering various aspects such as extraction, refining, and infrastructure construction.

●Construction Engineering Positions:

Requirements include relevant construction skills training experience, a junior high school diploma or above, an age range of 20 - 50 years, good physical health, and the ability to adapt to high-temperature environments. Relevant skills certificates in the construction industry, such as a construction worker certificate, are required. Some positions may also require a health certificate to ensure that the body can adapt to high-intensity work.

Filipinos can engage in work such as scaffolding erection, wall building, and decoration on construction sites, with a monthly salary of approximately 30,000 - 50,000 Philippine pesos.

●Catering Service Positions:

There is no strict educational requirement, with an age range of 18 - 45 years. Experience in catering service and basic knowledge of hygiene are required. A food service-related health certificate is needed, and for chef positions, a chef grade certificate may be required.

Working in the canteen for oil workers, the monthly income is about 20,000 - 30,000 Philippine pesos.

●Domestic Service Workers:

Saudi Arabian families have a demand for domestic service, especially in taking care of the family and doing household chores.

Requirements include relevant experience, diligence, and a willingness to work hard. The age range is 20 - 50 years. Usually, a domestic service training certificate is required, and some families may also require a health certificate. The monthly income is approximately 15,000 - 25,000 Philippine pesos.

Religious and Cultural Ties for Harmonious Coexistence

Islam is the state religion of Saudi Arabia, and there is an Islamic community in the southern part of the Philippines. This religious and cultural connection promotes mutual understanding.

Filipino workers respect the religious customs of Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia provides religious activity places for Filipino Catholics. During Ramadan, both sides can properly coordinate work arrangements.

Guaranteed Rights for Peace of Mind

The governments of Saudi Arabia and the Philippines attach great importance to protecting the rights and interests of migrant workers. Saudi Arabia has formulated labor laws and regulations to regulate wage payment and working hours. The Philippines has established a labor office in Saudi Arabia to handle labor disputes and compensation for work-related injuries.

With the diversification of Saudi Arabia's economy, new job opportunities are emerging in fields such as tourism and technology, which are conducive to the long-term and stable employment of Filipinos.

Employment Guide

Many Filipinos are recruited through qualified labor intermediary agencies in Saudi Arabia. These intermediary agencies will assist in handling work visa and other related procedures. However, one should be careful to distinguish and avoid falling into the trap of illegal intermediaries.

One can also pay attention to the labor export project information cooperated by the governments of the Philippines and Saudi Arabia and apply through formal channels to ensure the protection of one's rights and interests.

Japan

Japan, relying on its advanced technology and manufacturing industries, unique culture, and gradually liberalizing labor policies, provides Filipinos with distinctive employment options.

Strong Technological and Manufacturing Industries with High Demand for Labor

Japan leads the world in technology and manufacturing industries, with developed automobile manufacturing, electronic technology, and other industries.

●Automobile Manufacturing Positions:

A diploma from a relevant technical school is required, along with a certain level of Japanese language proficiency. The age range is 20 - 45 years. Relevant professional skills certificates in the automobile industry, such as an automobile maintenance technician certificate, are needed.

Filipinos can engage in mechanical operation, assembly, and other work in enterprises such as Toyota and Honda, with a monthly income of approximately 120,000 - 180,000 Philippine pesos.

●Electronic Technology Positions:

A junior college degree or above is required, with a major related to electronics. A certain level of English or Japanese language ability is required. The age range is 22 - 40 years. Relevant technical certificates such as an electronic engineer certificate or a related technical grade certificate may be required.

They can participate in the production and assembly of electronic components in companies such as Sony and Panasonic.

●Nursing Positions:

A secondary vocational school diploma or above with a major in nursing is required. Passing the Japanese nursing qualification examination is necessary. The age range is 20 - 50 years. Female candidates are preferred, and patience and kindness are required. Both the nursing professional graduation certificate from the Philippines and the Japanese nursing qualification certificate are needed.

Due to the aging population in Japan, Filipino nursing staff, after training, can work in nursing homes to take care of the elderly. The hourly wage is approximately 400 - 600 Philippine pesos.

●Domestic Service Workers:

Some Japanese families have a demand for domestic service, especially in taking care of the elderly and doing household cleaning.

Requirements include domestic service experience, a serious and responsible attitude, and an age range of 20 - 50 years. Generally, a domestic service training certificate is required. The monthly income is approximately 18,000 - 25,000 Philippine pesos.

Cultural Differences for Mutual Integration

Japanese culture is unique, and elements such as anime and cuisine have audiences in the Philippines, facilitating cultural exchanges.

Filipinos working in Japan can learn Japanese and social etiquette norms, participate in community cultural activities, showcase Philippine culture while learning Japanese traditional handicrafts, promoting cultural integration and helping them integrate into Japanese society.

Policy Changes for Increased Opportunities

Japan's labor policy has shifted from the trainee system to the skills internship system, providing Filipinos with more opportunities to obtain long-term work visas and skills upgrading training.

The governments of the Philippines and Japan have cooperated to carry out labor training projects to improve the skills and Japanese language proficiency of Filipino laborers, protect their legitimate rights and interests, and promote the continuous development of labor cooperation.

Employment Guide

One can apply through the direct recruitment channels of Japanese enterprises in the Philippines. Some large enterprises will regularly hold job fairs or release recruitment information on their official websites.

For the trainee or skills internship programs, one should apply through the dispatch agencies recognized by the Philippine government. These agencies will guide the completion of Japanese language training, handle procedures, and have partner enterprises in Japan to receive and arrange work.

Australia

Australia, with its rich natural resources, friendly immigration policies, and inclusive multicultural environment, attracts Filipinos to work there and seek long-term development.

Abundant Resources with Sufficient Job Opportunities

Australia is rich in natural resources, with developed mining, agriculture, and tourism service industries.

●Mining Positions:

Relevant mining work experience or training experience is required. A junior high school diploma or above is required. The age range is 20 - 50 years. Good physical health and the ability to adapt to high-intensity physical labor are necessary. Relevant qualifications such as a mining safety operation certificate are required. Some positions may require a health examination report to prove that the body condition is suitable for mining work.

Engaging in work such as mining and ore transportation, the weekly salary is approximately 50,000 - 70,000 Philippine pesos.

●Agriculture Positions:

There is no high educational requirement. The age range is 18 - 55 years. The ability to endure hardships is required. Generally, no special certificates are needed, but a health certificate may be required to ensure that there are no infectious diseases or other health problems that may affect agricultural production.

Working on farms in activities such as crop planting, harvesting, and livestock breeding, the hourly wage is approximately 80 - 120 Philippine pesos.

●Tourism Service Positions:

A high school or vocational school diploma is required. Basic English communication skills are required. A good appearance is required. The age range is 18 - 45 years. Some positions such as tour guides may require a tour guide qualification certificate, and hotel positions may require relevant service skills training certificates.

Working in hotels in activities such as room cleaning or serving as tour guides in tourist attractions, the monthly income is about 35,000 - 55,000 Philippine pesos.

●Domestic Service Workers:

Some Australian families have a demand for domestic service, such as taking care of children and doing daily household chores.

Requirements include domestic service experience, kindness, and patience. The age range is 20 - 55 years. Usually, a domestic service training certificate and a no-criminal-record certificate are required. The monthly income is approximately 15,000 - 22,000 Philippine pesos.

Favorable Immigration Policies with Good Prospects

Australia's immigration policies are favorable to both skilled and labor migrants. After working for a certain number of years in Australia, if Filipinos meet relevant requirements such as proficiency in English and passing professional skills assessments, they can apply for immigration.

For example, Filipino nurses who have worked for three years in Australia, after passing relevant assessments and tests, can apply for permanent residency, enabling them to settle down, purchase houses, and their children can enjoy high-quality educational resources, achieving the transformation from labor export to immigration settlement.

Multicultural Integration for Smooth Living:

Australia is an inclusive multicultural country where Filipinos can retain their own cultural characteristics and participate in multicultural activities.

Filipino communities in Australian cities organize various activities such as food festivals and dance performances, enhancing the sense of belonging of Filipino migrant workers, promoting their adaptation and long-term stable development.

Employment Guide

One can search for suitable job positions on Australia's official employment recruitment websites, such as Seek, and apply directly.

One can also apply through qualified labor intermediaries in the Philippines. The intermediaries will assist in handling work visas, arranging interviews, and other procedures. However, one should understand the intermediary fees and service contents in advance to avoid disputes.

Malaysia

Malaysia, due to its geographical proximity to the Philippines, economic complementarity, and similar cultural background, provides a convenient and suitable place for Filipinos to work.

Geographical Advantage with Diverse Job Opportunities

Malaysia is close to the Philippines, and the transportation between the two countries is convenient. There is extensive cooperation in fields such as trade and tourism.

●Electronics Factory Positions:

Work experience in an electronics factory is preferred. A junior high school diploma or above is required. The age range is 18 - 40 years. Relevant skills certificates such as an electronics equipment operation certificate may be required.

Working in Malaysia's electronics and electrical appliance industries, the monthly income is approximately 8,000 - 12,000 Philippine pesos.

●Tourism Industry Positions:

Basic English communication skills are required. A good appearance is required. A high school or vocational school diploma is required. The age range is 18 - 45 years. Tour guide positions require a tour guide qualification certificate, and hotel and restaurant positions may require a health certificate.

Working in hotel, restaurant, or tour guide positions to serve tourists, the monthly income is about 6,000 - 10,000 Philippine pesos.

●Construction Positions:

A basic construction skills foundation is required. There is no strict educational requirement. The age range is 20 - 50 years. Construction work positions may require a construction worker skills certificate.

Participating in projects such as housing construction and road building in Malaysia.

●Domestic Service Workers:

Malaysian families have a demand for domestic service, such as household management, taking care of the elderly and children.

Requirements include relevant experience, meticulousness, and a willingness to work hard. The age range is 20 - 50 years. A domestic service training certificate may be required. The monthly income is approximately 8,000 - 15,000 Philippine pesos.

Cultural Similarity for Quick Adaptation

The two countries have similar cultures, both having diverse ethnic cultures and being influenced by Malay culture. There is an integration of language and religious cultures.

Filipinos can communicate conveniently in Malaysia, quickly adapt to the environment, establish good relationships with local residents, and smoothly carry out their work.

Guaranteed Rights for Stable Development

The Malaysian government has formulated labor laws and regulations to protect the rights and interests of foreign laborers. The Philippine government cooperates with Malaysia by signing labor agreements.

Bilateral guarantees include handling labor disputes, providing legal assistance, etc. Non-governmental organizations also provide support in aspects such as culture, education, and medical care, promoting the stable development of Filipinos in Malaysia.

Employment Guide

Some Filipinos are recommended to work in Malaysia by Philippine enterprises that have business dealings with Malaysia. These enterprises understand the local employment needs and procedures and can provide certain assistance.

One can also pay attention to the recruitment activities of Malaysian enterprises in the Philippines or handle relevant procedures through regular labor intermedi

Conclusion

Hong Kong(China), Saudi Arabia, Japan, Australia and Malaysia are five places that offer a wealth of choices for Filipinos to work abroad, each with its own charm and opportunities. Whether you're looking for a good income, immigration possibilities, or a smooth integration in a foreign country, you can find your way to work in any of these places based on your qualifications and goals. However, before embarking on the journey, it is important to fully understand the local details and make thorough preparations, so that the journey of working abroad can become a solid cornerstone for realizing your dreams and improving your life, and blossom in a foreign land with your own luster and a bright future.