How to work abroad without an agency — the law, the employer’s documents, and the money before you fly

Before you fly

What you need before you fly — and how much to save each month

Pick where you are going and the prices fill in as an example — put in your own. You get the total and a monthly amount to put aside until your departure date.

Where you will work Middle EastJapanEuropeCanada Planned departure date Plane ticket (one way), ₱ Example — some employers pay it; then put 0 Medical exam and tests, ₱ Example — ask where and which format Passport, clearances and other papers, ₱ Example — check the current fees Insurance (if not paid by the employer), ₱ Example Pocket money for the first weeks, ₱ Example — until your first salary Already saved, ₱

1. Send the letter below to your employer: it asks for the contract and the documents for your direct hire.
2. Check the current direct-hire list and fees with the DMW or the Migrant Workers Office covering your country.
3. Save the monthly amount — the ipon challenge splits it into weeks. Book the flight only after the DMW processing is done.

Prices are examples, not averages — put in your own quotes. The law: Labor Code, Art. 18 (as amended by P.D. 1412) bans direct hiring of Filipino workers for overseas employment, except by members of the diplomatic service, officials and employees of international organizations and such other employers as may be allowed. The current DMW documents, fees and steps are not reproduced here — check them at dmw.gov.ph.