Share
Employment Options for Expats
ReportQuestion
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Now that foreigners are no longer allowed to work in the Philippines, how are we supposed to feed our families?
Answers ( 2 )
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
The only thing that has changed is that existing laws are now being more strictly enforced. If you are a foreigner doing any kind of work long-term, you should have an Alien Employment Permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment. These are typically valid for one year but can be valid for up to five years. Shorter term employment for a maximum of six months can be undertaken using three month Special Working Visas which you would get from the Bureau of Immigration, but leaving the country is an expectation at the end. The SWV is supplementary to a standard tourist visa, you need the tourist visa to be in the country and the SWV then entitles you to work for the aforementioned limited period. I've heard of some companies abusing the Special Working Visas by renewing them more than six months, which I suspect they have been getting away with it because the SWVs and AEPs are administered by different government departments that don't talk to each other. The Bureau of Immigration is happy to keep taking people's money, but if the Department of Labour and Employment catches up with those people, they are in trouble. There are also some companies employing foreigners with no AEP or SWV and paying them cash, sometimes for short periods but I have heard of this happening indefinitely with some companies. This is totally illegally regardless of what the employer might tell you, and again, if the DOLE catches up with people working under such conditions, it's jail time. Why do this? Well, a western company that needs native English speakers can employ them here for far less than in places like the USA, UK or Australia. They save a fortune, the convince the staff they are OK under some loophole or other, and rake in the profits; but these companies are putting their employees at risk flagrantly and with no thought for their welfare. If you are caught working illegally, you will go to am immigration jail. I know someone who overstayed on a tourist visa, so I can tell you what happens. It's not the cramped, inhumane jail conditions that Filipino criminals endure, you are treated well, allowed to keep your mobile devices and given internet access. This is so you can stay in contact with family and friends in your own country to raise the money needed to pay your fines and unpaid visas costs before your deportation. The only circumstance in which a foreigner can work in the Philippines legally without a visa is with permanent residence, for which marriage to a Filipino citizen is the most common route. Even then, certain occupations are reserved for Filipinos.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Foreigners are not forbidden to work in the Philippines. They are forbidden to work WITHOUT a working Visa. All countries require working visas from foreigners before they are allowed to work. The solution is to get a work visa.Foreigners are not forbidden to work in the Philippines. They are forbidden to work in certain activities (online gaming) that require licenses if they do not apply for a license first. All countries in the world require business to obtain permits and licenses before operating as a business. The solution is to obtain a license and permit to operate the business.Foreigners are not forbidden to work in the Philippines. They are forbidden to work WITHOUT paying taxes. All countries require foreigners who work and engage in business in their country to pay taxes. The solution is to pay taxes to the Philippine government.Foreigners are not forbidden to work in the Philippines. There are certain professions like being a lawyer, a medical doctor, an engineer, etc. that require a professional license before being able to practice their profession. All countries have licensure examinations for professionals. The solution is to get a professional license before practicing a profession.Foreigners are not forbidden to work in the Philippines. They are forbidden to earn from illegal activities (selling drugs, manufacturing drugs, pornography, human trafficking, etc.). All countries forbid foreigners and even their own citizens from engaging in illegal activities such as these. The solution is to find other work.