Top In-Demand Jobs in Countries of Destination of Filipino Overseas Workers

Algeria demanded highly of mechanical engineering technicians while Morocco for motor vehicles and Russia for production workers of a precision instrument.

Among the countries, the Middle East had the most number of job orders for domestic helpers, nurses, construction laborers, skilled construction workers and engineers.

According to the private recruitment agencies surveyed by POEA, top 5 land-based in-demand skills abroad include waiters, carpenters, electricians, welders and cooks.

On the other hand, civil engineers ranked next followed by nurses and mechanical engineers.

For sea-based professions, the agencies reported a high volume of demand for positions of chief engineer officers, chief mates, masters, second engineer officers and seaman.

Overall, the Middle East had the flock of newly-hired workers and rehires in 2016 with 69.4% or 764,793 workers in total found in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.

Other top countries were Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Japan.

While the data showed what countries had high volumes of hires for various in-demand positions, a rate of hiring will still depend on the economy and political situation of a country of destination.  It is, therefore, necessary that individuals should possess competency with other foreign workers.

Jobseekers should equip themselves with proper “know-how” through continuous education, training, certification and experience.

The government through POEA upholds its commitment to protect the rights of the OFWs amidst maltreatment and abuse issues of domestic helpers more particularly in the Gulf nations.