The Philippines is not only a tropical travel paradise, but also a great place to live permanently. This island country can offer favorable employment conditions for foreigners. Find out more about the peculiarities of the labor market, salaries and the most popular vacancies in the Philippines in 2024

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The crystal clear ocean and thatched huts surrounded by evergreen palm trees - this is how we imagine the tropical Philippines. The island country in Southeast Asia really looks like a real paradise on earth. Therefore, most visitors visit the Philippine islands only for the purpose of relaxation. But what if someone decides to stay in the country for a longer period of time? Can the Philippines offer a foreigner a job and favorable working conditions?

According to statistics, the largest number of labor migrants come to the Philippines from Korea, Malaysia and Australia.

Peculiarities of employment in the Philippines

The Republic of the Philippines is one of the most Europeanized countries in Asia. However, the business culture still retains certain Asian traditions and norms of behavior. For example, the hierarchy in the workplace is inviolable, so it is not customary to argue with your boss. In general, when communicating with Filipinos, you should not raise your voice or use harsh language. 

Foreign workers in the Philippines cannot count on social assistance available to the local population. However, many companies provide some benefits to foreign employees on their own. Also, Filipino employers have fewer requirements for foreigners when hiring and pay more loyalty in case of lack of experience.

English is the second official language in the country after Filipino. The huge flows of foreign tourists in the Philippines require most employees to be fluent in the main international language. Therefore, a high level of English is a must for anyone seeking employment in the Philippines. Even service workers are required to be fluent in this language.

The labor market in the Philippines

The Philippines offers a variety of job opportunities depending on skills and professional orientation.

For example, English language teaching is an important industry, as the strict language requirements make it possible to find a good job as a tutor or teacher. The tourism industry is one of the main sources of budget funding, which creates demand for service personnel and hotel and restaurant workers, such as maids, waiters, bartenders, salespeople, and administrators.

For those looking to work remotely, a popular option is a virtual business assistant, which allows you to work from anywhere in the world. Civil service is also a prestigious job that provides many privileges and benefits.

In the field of medicine, there is a great demand for healthcare professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, obstetricians, and surgeons, especially in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

For those who dream of owning their own business, the Philippines is also an attractive destination. The most successful types of business can be a hotel and restaurant business, a souvenir shop, beach equipment rental, or a travel agency. Given the developed tourism industry and potential for entrepreneurship, the Philippines offers many opportunities for career and business development.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, take the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

Work visa for foreign workers in the Philippines in 2024

In order to be legally employed in the Philippines, all foreigners must have a work visa and a work permit called an “Alien Employment Permit”. The most common visa for foreign workers is the 9(g) Pre-Arranged Employee Commercial Visa, which is usually obtained by foreigners who already have a pre-arranged contract to work in the Philippines.

In addition, there are other types of work visas, such as the Temporary Visitor's Visa for Business Purposes and the International Treaty Trader/Investor Visa, which may also be available in certain cases.

Certain categories of foreigners do not need a work permit, such as diplomats, representatives of accredited companies in the Philippines, residents of the country, or employees of companies registered abroad. The “Alien Employment Permit” is issued for the period specified in the employment contract and ensures the legality of a foreigner's employment in the country.

Average and minimum wages in the Philippines in 2024

The minimum wage in the Philippines varies from region to region and is set by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPB).

Estimated minimum wage rates (per day) in the regions:

1. National Capital Region (NCR): from PHP 500 to PHP 537;

2. Calabarzon: from PHP 373 to 512;

3. Central Visayas: from 404 to 416 PHP;

4. Davao region: 396 PHP.

The average salary in the Philippines can vary significantly depending on the industry, position and skill level. In urban areas and for skilled professionals, the average monthly wage can be significantly higher than the minimum wage. These differences reflect the different levels of cost of living and competitiveness of different regions of the Philippines.

Let's take a look at the most popular jobs in the Philippines and their estimated salaries:

1. Information technology specialists: software developer, IT consultant, system administrator. Salary: from 600,000 to 1,200,000 PHP per year;

2. Nurses: registered nurse, nurse practitioner. Salary: from 300,000 to 600,000 PHP per year;

3. Call center operators: customer service representative, technical support. Salary: from 250,000 to 400,000 PHP per year;

4. Engineers: civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer. Salary: from 400,000 to 800,000 PHP per year

5. Teachers: school teachers, college teachers. Salary: from 250,000 to 500,000 PHP per year

Main provisions of the labor legislation of the Philippines in 2024

In the Philippines, there are certain standards regarding working hours and vacations for employees.

The working week is usually 48 hours divided into 6 working days of 8 hours each. However, there are alternative schedules such as compressed workweeks.

With regard to vacation, employees are entitled to an annual paid vacation of at least 5 days after working for at least one year. The employer may also grant additional vacations depending on the working conditions.

In the event of illness, employees are also entitled to at least 5 days of paid annual leave. These days can be accumulated, and unused sick leave can be paid in cash.

With regard to maternity leave, female employees are entitled to 105 days of paid leave, regardless of whether they have given birth, had a miscarriage or an emergency termination of pregnancy.

Male employees are also entitled to 7 days of paternity leave with full pay for the birth of their legitimate child.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Philippines, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in the Philippines.

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