More jobs in Japan

THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration in Central Visayas has started accepting a second batch of caregiver and nursing applicants for Japan.

POEA Director Evelia Durato said that over a thousand of applicants will be needed. Applicants should register online at www.poea.gov.ph on or before January 15.

POEA will prequalify applicants for interview and examination by prospective employers. Those who pass will sign contracts and get language training in Japan with allowances equivalent to their salary. Those that pass language training will then be assigned to employers.

The POEA is also asking applicants for Korea to grab the opportunity of taking the low-cost Korea Language Test. Durato said that for those who want to work in Korea should first pass the test, which the POEA offers for $17 (the noraml price is $30). Applicants should also register online. Deadline of registration is on January 22.

The POEA also said that it is still ironing out job opportunities in Australia, particularly in Southern Australia where thousands of skilled workers are needed in construction sites and hotels.

The demand for overseas workers means applicants must be careful to avoid illegal recruiters.

Durato said that applicants should be wary in accepting offers and check with the POEA if a recruiter is licensed. If the offer is too good to be true, the applicants should think twice, she added.

The Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas is also expecting a better turnout for local work this year.

Director Elias Cayanong said that still booming are the call center industry, construction, tourism, electronics, and garments. For the last quarter, call centers grew 30-35 percent. –Correspondent Carine M. Asutilla, Philippine Daily Inquirer