Overseas jobseekers told to learn foreign language

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration said employment opportunities abroad are still up but applicants are encouraged to learn foreign language, a skill that some employers look for.

In a recent interview, POEA-7 labor officer Fenita Berdon said there is a need for applicants to learn a new foreign language to have an edge when they apply abroad.

Although she said skills remain the primary factor for Filipinos to get hired overseas.

Berdon said most employment opportunities for Filipinos are still in Middle East, but added jobs are also available in other countries.

These include Japan, Germany and Korea.

According to Berdon, nurses are in need in Germany and that Japan is also looking for caregivers.

Moreover, Korea is also in need of factory workers but Korean employers require applicants to learn the Korean language and pass the language exam.

She noted that aside from skills, the ability you speak a foreign language and work experience are what other employers look from applicants.

Overseas job hopefuls can find work abroad through POEA’s Government Placement Branch that recruits OFWs mostly for foreign governments and a few non-government employers.

Applying for an overseas job at POEA assures applicants that the job offer is legal and comes from a trustworthy employer.

To apply for a job abroad via POEA, they may register online at the POEA’s e-registration facility and need to submit their application documents personally at the Manpower Registry Division (Window S or T) in the POEA main office.

Job site JobStreet.com’s overseas jobs page has over 12,000 POEA-approved job listings for Filipinos looking for work abroad. Most jobs are from the Middle East, covering a wide range of specializations that include engineering, construction, finance, services, manufacturing, hotel/restaurant, and healthcare. (FREEMAN)