To be able to work abroad, an aspiring OFW must at least shed some cash during the processing of documents as well as for paying for the agency's part in placing you on an overseas job.
 
When hired by a recruitment agency, an OFW must look forward to the following fees being asked:
 
Placement fee
Some recruitment agencies  ask for placement fee that is equivalent to a worker's one month salary. Domestic workers and seafarers, though, should not be charged with placement fee. Some countries do not allow charging of placement  as the employer shoulders it.
 
Processing Fee
Processing fees are normally shouldered by the employer. Processing fee includes:
 
  • Visa fee (depending on the country)
  • Airfare (depending on the country)
  • POEA Processing fee (Php 200.00)
  • OWWA Membership (US$ 25.00)
  • Insurance Coverage (as prescribed by the insurance commission)
 
Document Requirements Fee
These are fees charged for application of some necessary documents.
 
  • Passport application
  • NBI/Police/Barangay Clearance
  • Documentary authentication fees
  • Philhealth contribution
  • PAG-IBIG contribution
  • Trade test (if necessary)
  • Inoculation (If required by host country)
  • Medical examination fees
  • Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) fee provided by authorized NGo service providers
  • Social Security System (SSS) contribution