OFWs GET BOOST IN NEW SINGAPORE POLICY

MANILA, Asia Pulse - The Philippines can now veer away from the usual household or domestic helper market in Singapore.

This, after the city state has announced it is relaxing its policy on the hiring of foreign workers, paving the way for Filipino skilled workers in the field of health care, information technology and bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing to work there.


In a report to Malacanang, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Singapore Acting Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen has announced the easing of the rules on foreign workers to get the people they need and keep its edge in businesses.

The DOLE has instructed the Labor attach in Singapore and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to link up with Singaporean authorities and private sector to put together a plan to tap the latest available labor market in Singapore.

The new policy is a positive development for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as they are, according to DOLE, highly preferred for the sectors mentioned.

In recent months, the job orders being processed by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) are mainly for health care workers. The DOLE expects an increase in the demand for OFWs with the latest Singapore pronouncements.

The DOLE report says it is important for OFWs to be made adept on new programs in the field of information technology to add value to their competitiveness and marketability in a techno-savvy city like Singapore.

The report also says the same is true for aerospace technicians who should acquaint themselves on the latest aircraft technology and inventions.

The current foreign workers policy of Singapore provides for ceiling on the salary level of work permit and employment pass holders.

The policy restricts the number of work permit holders that a company can hire but not for employment pass holders. (PNA)

Credits from http://www.theofwonline.com

Work Abroad – Teach Abroad

Teaching English can be a great way to work abroad. You’ll be able to travel abroad, and live somewhere for an extended period of time and really soak up the local culture. The qualifications can vary, but for the most part, you don’t need much training to teach English abroad - if you can read this blog, you’re half way there.

For English Teachers working abroad, most employers require a Bachelors degree, but almost any field is acceptable. Often times you can just show up, and find a job, although the market is changing all the time, and I’d recommend a bit of planning before you hit the road looking for work abroad.

A Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is usually a good idea, but not always required. A TEFL certificate will certainly help you find work, and if you are considering teaching as a career, it's a necessity. If you’re just looking to dabble, you might be able to get by with just your bachelors degree.


Jobs can be found just about anywhere that there is a need to learn English. Just about every non-English speaking country is looking for native English speaking teachers, so you have a lot of options. It can be difficult for Americans to secure a position teaching in Europe because British and Irish teachers don't need work permits or Visas to teach in other European Union countries. If you have your heart set on working abroad in Europe, teaching English, there may still be some opportunities available, you’ll just have to sell your skills a little harder.

In some cases, you can make pretty good money, but don't plan on getting rich by teaching abroad. You should be able to afford a comfortable lifestyle while you are there, but you probably won't take much home. You might consider spending your extra cash on traveling to neighboring cities and countries. Not only will you get a fun break from your teaching schedule, but you will gain a better understanding of the culture and the language of your host country.

Work abroad working holiday

A working holiday can be a traveler’s dream. You get to stay in a country for up to two years (depending on the type country) while working and traveling to fully experience the local culture. You’ll have the time to actually experience a place and its people, and you’ll make real friends – something that can be hard to do as a transient backpacker or traveler.

So how do you get a working holiday visa? Depending on where you are from, that can be pretty difficult. There are usually age restrictions (typically 18 - 35), and they often limit the kinds of work you can participate in, but that’s not the hard part. For whatever reason, not many countries offer working holiday visas to American citizens.

Japan has a working holiday program, offering young travelers the chance to stay in-country for anywhere from six months to one year, depending on where you are from. The program is open to Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Korea, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Ireland – not America.

Australia and the UK have similar programs, but American citizens are excluded from these as well. The UK’s program is amazing – if you are between the ages of 17 and 30, you can stay for up to 2 years, traveling and working your way around the country. Unfortunately, it is only open to members of the commonwealth, so American’s are not eligible. Some countries do offer working holiday visas for Americans looking to work abroad for an extended period of time. Canada will allow Americans to work and travel through on the northerly side of the border. That’s nice of them, eh?

New Zealand allows Americans to participate in their working holiday programs as well. Qualifying Americans between the ages of 18 and 30 can spend a year working abroad and traveling in New Zealand.

Of course, these regulations change all the time, so you should check government or tourism websites for the latest information on working abroad and working holiday visas.

Next time: Work abroad in Bars!