The Philippines constitutes a large population of citizens who work abroad. Some of these are working on working visas and others are already dual citizens. Others have already immigrated to other countries and given up their native-born citizenship. Most Filipinos go abroad for economic reasons or tourist purposes. Whatever the reason is, knowing the pros and cons will help you decide before going abroad and avoid costly mistakes.

PROS

• Higher salary

Usually, the salary abroad is higher than offered in the home country. Such an offer could be twice or several times higher than the local ones. Depending on the position and company, the package could comprise free accommodation, transport and meals.

• A chance to travel and see the world

At some point in your life, you might already dream of going to other countries. If you’re living in a tropical country, you may already have a desire to travel to temperate countries such as Japan, France, the United States, Canada and Australia. These countries have four seasons - Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter.

• Experience other Cultures

Culture refers to the characteristics and knowledge of a certain group of people’s arts, cuisine, music, religion, and social habits. Travelling beyond your country’s borders will let you appreciate other nationalities and cultures.

• Learn another language

Of course, you can learn a foreign language while in your country, but living in other countries will create more learning opportunities. You can meet native speakers of your target language. For example, you get more immersion in learning Japanese when you live in a Japanese neighborhood.

• An opportunity to assume other citizenship

Perhaps this is the best perk of working abroad. If you’re in a country that allows a fast track to citizenship, a couple of years and residence status can lead to citizenship. You can also take dual citizenship if your current country of residence allows that. Example of countries that allow dual nationality includes Canada, the United States, France, and Spain.

CONS

• Leaving your home country and family is heartbreaking

Anxiety and sadness will slowly creep in once you start to say bon voyage and goodbyes to your family - parents, siblings, spouse, children, fiancé. You’re now in the situation where you’ve to get used to the new situation of leaving your comfort zone - the daily routines.

• Adjustments to long distance relationship

Whether to your family or to your partner, being miles of land, borders and oceans apart can make you feel nostalgic and homesick at the same time. The feeling of separation can be eased by modern techs such as Messenger, Facebook, Skype, Zoom and other instant messaging or video conferencing apps.

• Safety issues

You may never know what lies ahead in the country of your destination, especially with their hospitality and treatment to foreigners. You have to make sure about these situations:

1. Peace and security - Is the neighborhood in the country’s locality safe? Are there wars, terrorist activities, discrimination, gang wars, and anything that can put your safety in a precarious status?
2. Employer - Does your upcoming employer follow labor laws and the employment contract? Does the contract exist? Do they pay you the right salary, overtime and promote a healthy working environment?

• The upfront cost

Moving to other countries is expensive. You have to get ready for everything - documents, money and personal things before you ride a passenger plane. The only things you won’t mind are those fees that job agencies and employers have to pay as mandated by the government labor agency (the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment).

The following are the requirements you have to keep in mind though:

1. Accommodation (Hotel, motel, apartment)
   Cost: Depending on the work destination
2. Agency processing fees
   Cost: Depending on the agency
3. Government-mandated benefits: Pagibig, Phil health and SSS
   Cost: PagIBIG, PhilHealth (2,400/year), SSS
4. Legal papers: Police clearance
   Cost: (100~300), NBI clearance (100~400)
5. Medical examination
   Cost: Depending on health conditions, clinics and hospitals
6. Pocket money
7. Passport
   Cost: P950~P1,500
8. Placement fees
9. Travel accessories - Travel bag clutch bag, clothing