There are many people with Filipino origin who work abroad so they can provide for their families back at home. The allure of better pay transcends the concerns over the hundreds of miles they have to endure to make a good living. With no guarantee of a good compensation package, legitimate contract or a chance to bring their family overseas later, they still take their chances. In as much as there is a good number of OFW making money for themselves, it is no secret that there remains a significant number who return home worse than they left. For more of such news, check the information that are available online. Several research studies carried out by the authorities, both local and international, point out some of the challenges they experience.
High fees charged
Beware of firms that charge extremely high placement fees which are unreasonable compared to what you expect to earn during your 24-month contract. Some recruiters will agree to a form of installment plan where a certain part of your salary is automatically deducted to pay the outstanding balance on your placement fees. Do not get enticed by their suggestions for the authorization to deduct some of the income that arises from your salary overseas. If an agency places you in debt before you have left the country to start working, it is a very bad sign.
Abuse from employers
This might arise from the first and second points detailed above. Abuse does not only have to be physical, it can be verbal. Some employers discriminate on the grounds of religion and race. When confronted with such situations, it is advisable that you immediately get touch with the Philippine embassy.
Broken families
Some challenges that arise are from the OFWs inability to confront loneliness and being homesick. They might engage in relationships abroad that further complicate their situation. The best way to avoid this is by maintaining meaningful and consistent conversations with your children and spouse back at home.
Getting jailed mistakenly
News regarding OFW and their families seeking the intervention from the government on the false accusation charges that landed their loved ones in prison is common. This scenes mostly end up with OFW arriving home in wooden boxes. Keep away from dubious groups or engage in any transactions of questionable nature. When leaving with overseas workers, ensure that your personal belongings are always sealed.
Failed businesses
The OFWs usually entrust their family members back home with the money they earn from work. They hope that this income gets invested wisely. Unfortunately, this might bring about rifts between family members, wives, and husbands. The lack of proper business planning, research and investments see a good number of businesses racking up expenses and collapsing.
