More than a hundred overseas Filipino workers have been sent to South Korea this month under the host country’s Filipinos Korea Employment Permit System (EPS), says the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO). These Filipinos deployed for work contracts mostly will be assigned to the manufacturing industry.

According to a report published by the Philippine News Agency on December 10, 2021, POLO Korea Labor Labor Attaché Ma. Celeste Valderrama mentioned that Filipinos so far, 158 OFWs have entered South Korea with another 51 to be deployed soon

OFW Manufacturing Factoryfilipinos-korea-employment-permit-system/ Workers in South Korea

Once the entry restrictions in South Korea are lifted, a total of 209 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will be given work contracts in the country for this batch. Valderrama mentioned that the manufacturing sector has the highest number of Filipinos employed in production under the EPS system, with 21,546 OFWs working in this sector.

Manufacturing is a prominent industry in Korea, with approximately 90% of the OFWs employed in this sector. Various goods such as plastic, rubber, metal, furniture, food, and food supplements are produced by businesses operating in this industry.

Other Industries in Korea with OFW Workers

Aside from working in factories, there are several Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who pursue careers in the arts and occupations that require specific skills. On the other hand, some Filipino workers take on roles as household service workers (HSWs).

Moreover, there are also a significant number of Filipinos employed by shipping companies, while others, such as Filipino engineers, contribute to the design of car seats for automobile manufacturers.

As of October 2021, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) reported that there were 47,392 Filipinos residing in South Korea. However, in June of the previous year, South Korea implemented entry restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Later, in November, Seoul announced that it would permit foreign workers from the Philippines, Myanmar, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan to work in Korea, but only those who are part of the Employment Permit System (EPS).

Korea EPS System

The South Korean government has been implementing the Employment Permit System (EPS) since 2004 as a means to secure manpower for their industries. This program enables employers to directly hire workers from other countries, eliminating the need for a middleman recruiter.

EPS contracts have a fixed term of employment that can be extended if both parties agree.

To expedite the process, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) should adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Complete the necessary requirements to work in South Korea, such as a valid passport, employment contracts/certificates, and other relevant documents.
2. Visit the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) directly to submit the applications required by your chosen employer.
3. Bring photocopies of all the required documents, including your return ticket, work permit, passport, and any other pertinent paperwork.
4. Ensure that your passport remains valid throughout your employment to prevent the cancellation of your contract.

Following these guidelines will help streamline the application process and facilitate a smoother transition for OFWs seeking employment in South Korea.

POEA Advises Filipinos to Go through Licensed Agencies

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is the government agency entrusted with the task of facilitating the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) through the Employment Permit System (EPS).

It is highly recommended that Filipinos who intend to work abroad should exclusively engage with recruitment centers accredited by the POEA. This precautionary measure aims to prevent them from falling prey to unscrupulous individuals involved in illegal recruitment activities and human trafficking syndicates. By opting for accredited POEA recruitment centers, prospective OFWs can ensure a safer and more legitimate process for their overseas employment endeavors.

Summary

POLO Korea: Filipinos Deployed to South Korea via Employment Permit System refers to the deployment of Filipino workers to South Korea through the country’s Employment Permit System (EPS). The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Korea oversees the recruitment and employment of these Filipino workers. The EPS is a government-to-government program that allows foreign workers to be employed in certain industries in South Korea. This arrangement benefits both countries by providing job opportunities for Filipinos and addressing labor shortages in South Korea.