Jobs in Macau

There is a Filipino in every establishment in the Special Administrative Region of Macau. And each has a story to tell.

At the University of Macau, Zenon Arthur Siloran Udani, an assistant professor for management at the College of Business Administration, has been in Macau for nine years. At the Banco Nacional Ultramarino (Macau’s central bank), Nonilon de Borja from San Pedro, Laguna, works as a security guard. A mechanical engineer graduate, de Borja left the Philippines eight years ago and accepted menial jobs before he got his current well-paying job.

There are 5,193 overseas Filipino workers in Macau. Of this figure, 3,366 are red and blue cardholders on a non-permanent status but with working visas (who can bring in their families). Yellow cardholders or temporary residents total 594 while white cardholders, who are classified as permanent residents, number 995.

The gathering of data on OFWs in Macau was part of the initiative of Portuguese Ambassador to the Philippines Joao Cayetano da Silva, who launched a series of seminars on Macau’s historical, cultural, and political links with the Philippines.

The second seminar was held at the University of Sto. Tomas during last October’s Portuguese Festival, which also coincided with the launching of a book called "Philippines in Portuguese XVIth Century Historiography" by Jose Manuel Garcia.

The third seminar was recently held at the University of Macau on Taipa Island.

Immigration Laws

While followed to the letter, there are loopholes in Macau’s immigration laws. For example, a foreigner would be considered for a particular job if it has not been filled up by a local. A Filipino tourist who can find employment within 60 days after arrival can have his papers changed and get a work permit with the help of Ma. Salome Mendoza, labor attaché of the Philippine consulate general labor extension office. (The main office is in Hong Kong).

This was the case of Rodney Castaneda from Sta. Cruz, Laguna, who came to Macau as a tourist and worked illegally (tago ng tago or TNT) as a janitor and dishwasher in several business establishments until he applied for and was legally hired as a waiter and occasional errand boy at the University of Macau’s Library Cafe.