If you’re looking to hire Filipino workers for your Australia-based business, you are not alone.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of Australian companies rely on Filipino talent to fill crucial industry roles.
In a labor market where local workers may not always be readily available, Aussie businesses have frequently turned to foreign employees as a solution to fill their staffing gaps.
However, understanding the necessary steps and compliance requirements is crucial for a smooth hiring process.
In this article, we explore the key points you need to be aware of when hiring Filipino professionals.
Legal Framework
According to a Survey on Overseas Filipinos, the number of Filipinos working overseas is estimated at 1.96 million. However, Republic Act 8042, as amended by Republic Act 10022, mandates certain conditions for the deployment of these workers. These conditions are essential to safeguard their well-being.
Specifically, Filipinos can work legally only in countries meeting specific criteria, such as having labor and social laws that protect migrant workers.
These countries must be signatories to relevant international conventions or have bilateral agreements with the Philippine government. Australia fulfills these criteria. This makes it an eligible destination for skilled Filipino workers and professionals.
However, it’s important to know that if you want to hire Filipino workers in Australia, you must either:
- Obtain approval as a standard business sponsor.
- Fall under a Labor Agreement or Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) within specific industries. This allows you to hire Filipino workers for positions authorized under Australian laws.
How to Hire Filipino Workers in Australia
To initiate the hiring process, you must obtain authorization from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Canberra (POLO-Canberra).
The Philippine Overseas Labor Office will require you to submit various documents, including a recruitment agreement, job order, and evidence of legal business operations.
If you’re looking to hire fewer than five Filipino workers directly, you may need to submit additional documents. These documents may include business licenses, employment contracts, and appropriate visas or work permits.
This process ensures that your business operations align with Philippine and Australian labor laws.
Following verification and authentication, POEA registers the documents and facilitates the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) for workers.
The PDOS is essential for teaching Filipino workers how to navigate the challenges of international migration. Additionally, it is a mandatory step for obtaining an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). This is an important document for Filipinos to work overseas.
Once a Filipino worker has obtained an OEC, you can book flights for them so they can join your company as soon as possible.
Learn More on How to Hire Filipino Workers: Additional Resources
If you’re looking to hire Filipino workers for your Australian team, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our complete, step-by-step guide, offering insights into legal requirements, eligibility criteria, accreditation process, and more.
Click here to read the guide and stay informed about the process of employing international workers in Australia.
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