Jail time awaits overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who will violate visa and residence status rules in Japan.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued the warning on Thursday after receiving reports from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) of OFWs, who committed “unqualified activities” stipulated in the Immigration and Refugee Control Act of Japan.
“Unqualified activity includes taking up a job or work which is beyond the limitation of the visa or the permitted work under the category of residence status of a foreigner in Japan,” POEA Administrator Bernard P. Olalia said in a news statement.
Citing the report of Labor Attaché Marie Rose C. Escalada, the POEA chief said these cases involve OFWs with a visa category for high-level occupation, but end up doing menial jobs.
“Some went to Japan as teachers or instructors, but end up as babysitters or nannies in school or household of the supposed employer. Other Filipinos holding a visa of an interpreter were found working as care workers in facilities for the handicapped or elderly,” Olalia said.
These erring OFWs, he added, may be sent to prison, aside from being deported and banned entry in Japan depending on the gravity of their violation.
“For their own protection, applicants for overseas jobs should have the appropriate work permit or visa or employment contract approved by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office and processed by the POEA before leaving the country,” Olalia said. He also urged aspiring OFWs of Japan to only transact with licensed recruitment agencies with job orders approved by POEA.