The first post for the year was brought about by feedback from readers, who are inquiring and sharing their knowledge specifically about the condition of caregiver in the Philippines, aspiring to work in Canada.
Many readers who are likely caregivers asked me if they would need an agency to be able to work in Canada. At first I wondered, why.
Where are they getting the notion that you need an agency to do the paper work if you are applying from the Philippines?
It wasn’t the case when I applied through the Live-in Caregiver Program which is now closed. So why now and how do the employers and future employees cope with the ever-changing policy for caregivers.
There’s always something new which for the most part not favourable for the caregiver applicant.
Related Post:
Apply as Caregiver in Canada from the Philippines
Caregiver Salary in Canada
Why Do Caregiver Applicants from the Philippines Need to Hire an Agency?
Ranting will find its way in this post because this issue is outrageous. (There I said it.) I’ll do it moderately as possible as I can.
Let’s find out the truth of the matter. Why??? (That’s me yelling at the top of my lungs.)
A reader probably heard my confusion/annoyance. She shared her experience in another blog post about accredited agency in the Philippines.
“Yes, it’s now required to have a licensed agency to bring a caregiver to Canada.”
I was skeptical. (More likely not to believe.) Because the information came from The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Vancouver, a definitely reliable source, I delved more into the news.
Here’s the NOTICE from the POLO’s website:
Pending review of the direct hiring policy by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), POLO will verify employment contracts of directly hired workers ONLY for the following employers who are exempted from the ban on direct hiring:
a.) Members of the diplomatic corps;
b.) International organizations;
c.) Heads of state and government officials with the rank of at least deputy minister
Those who DO NOT fall under the exemptions are requested to engage the services of a Philippine recruitment agency through this link http://www.poea.gov.ph/ then check requirements under the Agency Hiring System.
The information is staring at me but I can’t still believe why the POLO would create further burden to Filipinos who are seeking greener pasture as if there’s only few process an applicant has to go through.
(Till this day, thinking of the long lines and lack of air conditioning is enough to stir up anger. I’m not cursing . . . only reminiscing.)
I need to find more information. Luckily, a Filipino employer sent me a copy of the requirements for the Agency Hiring System.
It further confirmed the new policy. Her huge disappointment is understandable. (We are one with you.)
Another thought came into mind. What is the purpose then of the VFS Global in the Philippines? Will the agency submit the application to VFS Global? And whose paying?
The Effects to Foreign Employers in Canada and Caregivers in the Philippines
Hiring an agency to be able to work as a caregiver in Canada would result to more paperwork, expenses, and time. Sadly, I have to enumerate how the new policy will affect everyone that is involve in the hiring process.
- The service of Foreign Recruitment Agency (FRA) and Philippine Recruitment Agency (PRA) will be required. Check the requirements for the Agency Hiring System. (I’m not sure whether the employer has to pay for all agency-related expenses.)
- Employers in Canada would likely hire caregivers who are already in Canada. Less work and expenses. And the caregiver can start immediately. But for others, they would probably want to hire someone they know from overseas. They might change their mind because of the new policy; who wouldn’t.
- Caregiver in the Philippines will have a difficult time to look for an employer who doesn’t want to go through the rigorous and long process of hiring a foreign caregiver.
There could be more effects than I can thought of but with all the changes going on, I have a question that keeps on bothering me.
Will the hiring of foreign caregiver especially in the Philippines about to end?
The changes seems to induce the slow death of what seems to be a tradition for Filipinos who wants to live in Canada and decided to take the caregiving route.
It’s an uneven (and unfair) road to travel. Will you take this path or seek other greener pasture or winter wonderland?
What Should You Do as a Caregiver Applicant
“Should I hire an agency if I want to work as a caregiver in Canada?” and “Am I a qualified to work as a caregiver coming from the Philippines?”
These two questions are what I get from my inbox every week.
We have an answer to Question No.1; as for Question No.2 you have to stay up-to-date and check the CIC’s website which is always updated and filled with information.
But will you and your employer would like to hire agencies knowing that it wouldn’t guarantee an employment in Canada?
I hate to sound pessimistic but this is what is happening right now. Maybe this policy will be removed. Or not.
You can make a decision to pursue the caregiver path or something else NOW or wait for a favourable changes or opportunity somewhere else.
Final Thoughts
Many Filipinos are still thinking of taking a caregiver course. (How did I know? I’m constantly ask what school I graduated from.)
But the situation is not as easy as it was many years ago. Back then, you can take the course and comply with all the requirements and if you have a qualified employer then you’re almost good to go. (And there’s also the final challenge: interview at the airport for the work permit.)
To all the Filipinos who wants to study in the Philippines to become a caregiver, consider the changes that are happening right now. As I always say, have a backup plan.
And for those who are applying to work as a caregiver in Canada from the Philippines, may there be a positive result.
Share your experience in the comment. But please don’t ask about further details or AGENCY which is beyond my grasp.
I applied for my cousin to be my caregiver. She got the visa. However, when she went to POEA to get an OEC she was told to go through an agency. It doesn’t make sense. Has anyone have the same experience? What should I do? Thanks.
Hi Marjorie! I applied as a caregiver for my brother’s friend and told me to get an OEC. Unfortunately when I called POEA, I was told to go through an agency just like what had happened to your cousin. I am struggling to find an agency that will properly assist me to this. What did you do? Thank you.
I agree to all of what you said, after knowing that I can’t sponsor caregivers from the Philippines directly, hey are adding more burden to us Filipino-Canadian employers. There are lots of issues that they need to change or fix and why banning direct hiring of caregivers? Actually I wrote a letter to Malacanang and so far they replied initially and still waiting the final answer.
My co-filipino let us express our grieving to whoever banned this direct hiring.
Juiet from Canada
Let’s hope for the better but it seems that caregiver hiring for foreigners is about to end as what I expressed in a blog post.