Based on reports received by the Embassy, a certain Filipino based in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) recruits workers from the Philippines for employment in said city. However, upon arrival in HCMC, with no valid job contracts, work visa, and work permit the victims learn that there are no employers.
The illegal recruiter, who allegedly earns from the overpriced plane tickets paid by the victims, leaves the Filipinos to fend for themselves.
The victims allegedly paid US$100 as "service fee" and between P20,000 and P30,000 for air fare (equivalent to around US$420-US$630). This is way above the air fare offered by Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines which range from US$200 to US$400.
The Embassy urges Filipinos who wish to work in Vietnam to go through the proper channels such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA).
As in all other countries, proper documentation (i.e., valid contract, work visa, and work permit) is a must for foreign workers in Vietnam.
The global recession has affected the labor market in Vietnam and some 100 to 150 overseas Filipino workers were reported to have lost their jobs since late last year.
Majority of Filipinos working in Vietnam occupy executive and managerial positions in professional fields such as in construction and engineering, accountancy, banking and investment, education, garment/textile industry, hotel and restaurant management, food and beverage industry, marketing, furniture industry, medicine, foreign investment projects, etc. These Filipinos are hired through professional channels. END