Ten Commandments to Avoid Illegal Recruitment

Recruitment agencies are eyeing potential nurses to work abroad, and there are just so many opportunities. But my dear nurses, beware for not all recruitment agencies are legitimate. To avoid being a victim of illegal recruitment, follow these commandments from the Philippine Nurses Association:

1. Do not apply at recruitment agencies not licensed by POEA.
2. Do not deal with licensed agencies without job orders.
3. Do not deal with any person who is not an authorized representative of a licensed agency.
4. Do not transact business outside the registered address of the agency. If recruitment is conducted in the province, check if the agency has a provincial recruitment authority.
5. Do not pay more than the equivalent of one month salary as placement fee, exclusive of documentation and processing costs. For some countries in Europe, the placement fee is paid by the employer, not the worker.
6. Do not pay any placement fee unless you have a valid employment contract and an official receipt.
7. Do not be enticed by ads or brochures requiring you to reply to a Post Office (P.O.) Box, and to enclose payment for processing of papers.
8. Do not deal with agents of training centers and travel agencies who promise overseas employment.
9. Do not accept a tourist visa for overseas employment.
10. Do not deal with fixers or entrust your money and documents to them.