How To Make Sure That You Use A POEA Accredited Agency

[KeithD]

Ensuring That Your Agency Is POEA Accredited


Just about every single overseas worker of Filipino origin wants to know whether they are working with a legitimate, POEA accredited agency. Sadly, many unscrupulous players attempt to steal hard-earned money from job hunters each and every day. To avoid those who make empty promises of unlimited job opportunities abroad, it is best to do business only with a recruitment agency that has received the POEA stamp of approval.


Distinguishing Legitimate Agencies from Scammers


It is important to understand that in order to gain a license from the POEA, several hurdles must be cleared by an agency, most of which are difficult to falsify. It is necessary to demonstrate actual relationships with employers willing to establish matches with agency-referred candidates. The POEA is known for performing thorough verification of the existence of such employers, making this a key barometer of an agency's legitimacy.


Certain agencies' request payment of up-front placement fees, ranging from modest sums to fairly significant amounts. It is vital that such agencies are comprehensively vetted before any such money is paid. The fact is that many agency fees are actually paid by the hiring employer, rather than the job seeker. Any firm that seeks to reverse what is widely accepted to be standard practice in the industry should be given serious scrutiny.


Always view with healthy skepticism any immigration entity purporting to provide access to jobs located abroad. Because such agencies will not have POEA licenses, it may be that their staffers are little more than migration officers who may be intertwined with dishonest individuals out to steal money from vulnerable employment seekers.


The bottom line is that it is always wise to conduct a healthy amount of due diligence prior to selecting an agency. POEA accreditation is the gold standard, and it should always be sought in any agency. Legitimacy in this realm must always be made a top priority in order to avoid disappointment and empty pockets down the road.

[Michael Parnham]

Ensuring That Your Agency Is POEA Accredited


Just about every single overseas worker of Filipino origin wants to know whether they are working with a legitimate, POEA accredited agency. Sadly, many unscrupulous players attempt to steal hard-earned money from job hunters each and every day. To avoid those who make empty promises of unlimited job opportunities abroad, it is best to do business only with a recruitment agency that has received the POEA stamp of approval.


Distinguishing Legitimate Agencies from Scammers


It is important to understand that in order to gain a license from the POEA, several hurdles must be cleared by an agency, most of which are difficult to falsify. It is necessary to demonstrate actual relationships with employers willing to establish matches with agency-referred candidates. The POEA is known for performing thorough verification of the existence of such employers, making this a key barometer of an agency's legitimacy.


Certain agencies' request payment of up-front placement fees, ranging from modest sums to fairly significant amounts. It is vital that such agencies are comprehensively vetted before any such money is paid. The fact is that many agency fees are actually paid by the hiring employer, rather than the job seeker. Any firm that seeks to reverse what is widely accepted to be standard practice in the industry should be given serious scrutiny.


Always view with healthy skepticism any immigration entity purporting to provide access to jobs located abroad. Because such agencies will not have POEA licenses, it may be that their staffers are little more than migration officers who may be intertwined with dishonest individuals out to steal money from vulnerable employment seekers.


The bottom line is that it is always wise to conduct a healthy amount of due diligence prior to selecting an agency. POEA accreditation is the gold standard, and it should always be sought in any agency. Legitimacy in this realm must always be made a top priority in order to avoid disappointment and empty pockets down the road.

Good, useful advice Keith!