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MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has warned all Filipinos working in China to strictly follow their visa requirements and not overstay as the Chinese government has intensified its crackdown against undocumented and illegal workers.
In a statement, the POEA said it has been receiving reports from the Philippine Embassy in Beijing of Filipinos who were detained and fined for violating Chinese visa laws.
It noted the case of a Filipino teacher who was lured with a promise of a well-paying job, only to find himself in a cramped dormitory with other Filipinos in search of any kind of work. Instead of the job promised to him, the teacher found a job in Inner Mongolia with a measly pay.
There were also reports of recruiters giving fake and short-term working visas to Filipinos, the POEA said.
The government reminded Filipinos who use the “L” or tourist visa when entering China that they could not convert their tourist permit into a working visa.
It also warned them against promises that they can get a European Union or Schengen visa in China, saying this would likely be a counterfeit visa. The POEA and the embassy said only Chinese nationals can apply and secure a Schengen visa in China.
The government added that Filipinos should not pursue jobs as a nanny or domestic helper in China, saying these positions are not open to foreigners.
When Chinese authorities arrest them, the Filipino workers are jailed, fined, and deported to the Philippines. Those who worked under expired visas or did not have permits had little protection from Chinese authorities, the Philippine Embassy said.
In particular, the POEA warned against recruiters who promise high-paying teaching jobs in China. According to the POEA, most of the Filipinos who are promised with teaching posts often end up underpaid and overworked.
“While it is true that there is a need for English teachers in China, not all schools are authorized by the Chinese government to hire foreign teachers. Most of the cases of contract breaches and illegal recruitment involve unauthorized schools and fly-by-night recruitment agencies who hire Filipino teachers via the Internet or by telephone,” the statement said.
Before going to China for a teaching post, the POEA reminded Filipino workers to get a contact that they can understand from their prospective employers. They should also request to see the license of their employer to ensure that the he or she has been allowed by the Chinese government to hire foreign nationals.
