Government of Canada

Canada has a federal system of government. There are three levels of government:

• The federal government- represents all Canadians.
• Provincial or territorial government- represents residents in each province or territory.
• Municipal government- represents the residents of a city or a town.

Each level government has different roles and responsibilities. For example, the federal government is responsible for defense, and provincial governments are responsible for education and schools.

Employment System of Canada

Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories each have their own labor markets with specific standards, requirements, job opportunities and working conditions. To learn more, please visit the Provinces and Territories section at www.workingincanada.gc.ca

Newcomers can face challenges finding a job working in Canada. Before looking for a job, learn about these challenges:

• Canadian work experience: Canadian work experience may be a requirement for employment, in both regulated and non-regulated occupations.
• Labour market contacts: newcomers may have trouble finding out about jobs because they do not have an established network of contacts.
• Foreign credential recognition: Getting professional and educational credentials recognized in Canada can take time. Organizations that assess foreign credentials include: credential assessment agencies, education institutions, regulatory bodies and employers.
• Language or Communication skills: speaking, reading and writing. Being able to work in either English or French is very important to finding a job. Source: www.workingincanada.gc.ca

Eligibility Criteria

The Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate (EPEC) allows foreigners who are i) holders of selected university qualifications, or ii) current or former holders of selected skilled migrant visas to stay in Singapore for up to one year to facilitate their job search in Singapore. Generally, if you have been granted an EPEC by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), you are likely to qualify for an Employment Pass upon securing employment in Singapore.

Mode of Application

Applications for EPEC must be made online . We no longer accept manual applications.

All applicants will be notified of their application status via email. To avoid unnecessary delay, please provide us with the correct email address.

No administrative fee is charged for EPEC applications.
Apply for EPEC online CLICK HERE

Processing Time

The processing time for an EPEC is seven working days from the date of receipt of the application. If additional supporting documents are required, you will be notified via email.

Documents Required for Application

When applying for EPEC online, you will be required to upload the following documents as softcopy attachments:

• A certified true copy of your tertiary academic qualification, transcript or your professional qualifications;
• A copy of your skilled migrant visa (only if applicable);
• A copy of your passport particulars page; and
• A recent passport size photo taken within the last three mo

Dubai the City of Gold is flourishing, thus, there are a bunch of jobs available as well. It is an exciting destination for Filipinos seeking a healthy employment and a tax-free lifestyle. The best way of finding a job in the city is through reputable recruitment agencies. There are lots of recruitment agencies, which can help you out with finding the right job. Also note that you should apply in person. Some application done from home might miss the chance to get notice. Finding employment of your own can be time consuming, through recruitment agencies much faster.

Jobs in Dubai

• Engineering
• Hotel
• Banking
• Computer
• Accounting
• Nursing
• Medical
• Dental
• HR jobs
• Healthcare
• Entrepreneurship
• Information Technology
• Hospitality Hotels
• Finance
• Sales

Dubai is tax-free, meaning you will be paid in gross. You will enjoy and benefit your entire salary. In order to get job in Dubai you should prepare your working permit and residency visa. For Filipinos, Dubai is a good destination; many OFWS there are enjoying their work. Thousands of people are making the move to Dubai to become part of the labor force and make some real, tax-free money.

You can shop all the goods you want with tax-free prices. You will enjoy reasonable employment rate. Aside from that, Dubai has great infrastructures. If you want to know more about of the latest job vacancies in Dubai you can visit www.gulfnews.com and click classified ads, you can also post your resumes online.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has released the list of recruitment agencies licensed and authorized to recruit and set up Filipino recruits for Canada. Recruits would be needed in some provinces of Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The Canadian government implemented the law of no recruitment and placement fee for the workers.

Enumerated below are the only licensed agencies that have approved job orders and allowed by the POEA to recruit OFWS for the said country.

• 21st Century Manpower
• APEX- Agency for Pinoy Excellence
• Archangel Global Solutions, Inc
• Augustin International Center, Inc
• Best One International Services & Consultancy, Inc
• Bison Management Corporation
• BM Skyway General Services & Trading
• CATAMA Placement Agency, Inc
• Centaur International Manpower
• EDI-Staffbuilders International, Inc
• Excel Green Kard International, Inc
• FIL-HR Manpower Development Services Specialist Corp.
• Finest Asia Resources, Inc
• First Champion & International Entertainment Inc
• France Asia International Inc
• Grand Placement & General Services Corp.
• Gulf Asia International Corporation
• Industrial Personnel and Management Services Inc, (IPAMS)
• International Job Recruitment Agency, Inc
• JAD +GTC Manpower Supply & Services, Inc
• Jai—Kin Resources Corporation
• Jean-Louise Resources Corporation
• JS Contractor Incorporated
• Krona international Service System Landbase Human Resources Company
• Light & Hope Human Overseas Placement Agency Inc
• Louis International Manpower Services (Phils), Inc
• Lucky international Management Services
• Mercan Canada Employment Phils, Inc
• Mori International Agency Corporation
• MRH Global Personnel Services, Inc
• OMANFIL International Manpower Development Corporation
• OTA International Promotions & Manpower Corporation
• Parts International Placement Agency
• Peridot International Resources
• PNI International Corporation
• Prestige Search International Inc.
• Principalia Management & Personnel Consultants, Inc.
• Profile Overseas Manpower Services
• Reliable Recruitment Corporation
• Rise Manpower Services
• Sacred Heart International Services
• September Star Incorporated
• Smart Promotions, Inc
• Staffhouse International Resources
• Star Express Placement Inc
• Treasure of Hope International Inc

For more information you can visit the site http://www.poea.gov.ph. See the complete licensed recruitment agencies to avoid illegal recruiters.

Overcoming Loneliness

• Get rid of you negative emotions. Banish you negative thoughts that might lead to self-pity. Low self-esteem is your great enemy, learn to develop a healthy self-esteem, it’s your self-confidence and it’s a key towards happiness and success. Always present a positive self-image.
• Discover smile power. Learn to greet the people around you with best smile. Filipinos are good to it. No matter how unhappy you are, you must tell your new place that you are extremely happy and contended and your facial expressions prove it. Your smile is a magnet that attracts people. It will not be too hard for you to have friends.
• God as the center of all. Being alone is a good opportunity for meditation and self-reflection. Pray for your work asks help and guidance that you could see life in the right perspective and you could be able to manage your priorities. You can go mass and do confession.
• Fight it. You can overcome loneliness by taking action and you can take action on a number of levels. It’s not an easy task but you should remember, “Loneliness is just a State of Mind and not a Life sentence.” Just avoid the “Poor Me” Syndrome. The fact that you made it, the struggles you endure to get hired are best facts that you are strong.

Think of your family, your situation here in Philippines, know the things you can do for your family to have a better life. Be practical and wise enough. You make transitions for the better and not for the worst. The best thing you can do is to plan your future. Keeping a journal is a helpful tip.

Avoid putting yourself in the middle of crisis; if you want to work abroad you have to examine first yourself. It’s your WILL, if you get yourself by force, for example if you’re parents want to but against your will you will really end up nothing. Loneliness might kill you! It’s a matter of choice and right decision.

The feeling of they don’t’ belong for a time, they don’t’ know how to approach or having a fear that they might be rejected. But for all bad feelings there are always ways of overcoming it. Because if not, it may lead to more serious emotional disturbances, such as self-pity, lose hope and even depression. Some often feel anxiety, overly self-critical and self-absorbed and unhappy.

Overcoming Loneliness

• Face reality. Before planning to go abroad, you should expect the unexpected. You can’t expect for the new environment to adjust for you. You should possess the value of being flexible.
• Be optimistic. Always look to the brighter, be glad and thankful for the rare opportunity that you’re enjoying and to your new job. It has something to do with your attitude, just avoid thinking negative, learn to approach new people, make friends with them and develop relationship.
• Take the advantage of learning something new. Being in a new place means being independent, this is the perfect time wherein you can do more of the things you want to do. The time to focus and know more about yourself. You’re new place offers a lot, learn their culture, their dialects; try to practice their ways of living.
• Get involved in activities. You can try a new recreational activity; it could be physical activity like exercise or learning their sports. Even teaching them Philippine sports. Be adventurous enough, but always put restrictions or limitations of the things you want to do.

Keep yourself busy. This is in fact a tested way to overcome loneliness. But on the contrary, avoid being stress. Being busy is just making your work done at the end of the day. Meeting your quota, it’s boosting your performance but consider also day-off. If you have day-off you can do a lot of things like making a new arrangements in your room, chat with your families, picnics etc.

Who can avail?

• Renewal for those whose passports have already expired;
• Renewal for those whose passport will be expiring within the next one year;
• Senior citizens (more than 60 years old)

What are the procedures?

• Qualified applicants may send their request via Internet to this email address: appointment@dfa.gov.ph.
• Applicant must provide the following:
  1. Full Name
  2. Birth date
  3. Birth place
  4. Latest Passport Number and Date of Issuance
• Booking an appointment must be made one week prior to the proposed date of appointment.
• An applicant must wait for the confirmation and must take note the reference number given by the DFA passport office before going to the DFA for filling of the application.

Applicants should go to the DFA office on the date and time they confirmed to apply for the passport. The DFA advised the applicants should apply ahead of time, since processing of the passport may take seven working days or two to three weeks for regular processing.

Prohibited Items Upon Entering Singapore:

• Firearms or firearms parts, including magazines
• Live bullets, including blanks, of small or large caliber for revolver, pistol, or rifle
• Air pistol or air rifle or parts
• Spear guns or cross bows
• Explosive blasting caps, dynamite, detonators, detonating cords
• Fireworks
• Spent or empty ammunition cartridges, including bullets rendered “safe’”
• Signal flares
• Tear-gas spray, pepper spray
• Walking stick with dagger
• Industrial acid and other corrosive substances
• Flick or fan knives, gravity knives
• Whips made from bicycle or motorcycle chains
• Knuckle dusters, ninja stars, throwing knives
• Stun guns
• Toy guns that resemble real guns
• Bullet-proof vests
• Batons, t-baton, night sticks, truncheons, handcuffs
• Replica or dummy and model explosives
• Corner shot devices
• Lighters shaped like grenades, bullets, or firearms

Singapore also prohibits the importation of the following items:

• Chewing gum, except dental or nicotine gum
• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products
• Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
• Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
• Firecrackers
• Obscene articles, publications, video tapes or discs, and software
• Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs (VCDs), laser discs, records or cassettes
• Spent or empty ammunition cartridges, including bullets rendered “safe’”
• Signal flares
• Tear-gas spray, pepper spray
• Walking stick with dagger
• Industrial acid and other corrosive substances
• Flick or fan knives, gravity knives
• Whips made from bicycle or motorcycle chains
• Knuckle dusters, ninja stars, throwing knives
• Stun guns
• Toy guns that resemble real guns
• Bullet-proof vests
• Batons, t-baton, night sticks, truncheons, handcuffs
• Replica or dummy and model explosives
• Corner shot devices
• Lighters shaped like grenades, bullets, or firearms

Singapore also prohibits the importation of the following items:

• Chewing gum, except dental or nicotine gum
• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products
• Cigarette lighters of pistol or revolver shape
• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
• Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
• Firecrackers
• Obscene articles, publications, video tapes or discs, and software
• Reproduction of copyright publications, video tapes, video compact discs (VCDs), laser discs, records
• or cassettes
• Resemble real guns
• Bullet-proof vests
• Batons, t-baton, night sticks, truncheons, handcuffs
• Replica or dummy and model explosives
• Corner shot devices
• Lighters shaped like grenades, bullets, or firearms

It is important to note all this to avoid unwanted circumstances that can lead you into trouble. Reach your destination safe and sound.

One of the main reason to land a job in Singapore is the salary which is much higher compared to our country and other foreign countries. If you finished a bachelor degree you will enjoy the monthly minimum income of Singapore Dollar SGD 1, 800 exchange rate in Philippines of SG$1 IS Php29. Around Php 50, 000 plus. But the salary has no limit you can earn thousands , it depends on your position and expertise. For IT’s they could reallyget a high paying job.

Another reason is easy access.From Philippines you only need to travel 3 hours with air fare ranging from Php 2000 To Php 5000. Regardless of other expenses upon staying in Singapore, going there is not so expensive. Since Singapore is an ASEAN country member, visa is not needed. Just take note the two things you need to have- your Passport, and your Plane Ticket.

You can go to Singapore by lack, by chances. You can use a tourist pass.In most cases immigration personnel will grant a 1 month stay and you can ask more extension of another 1 month. In this given period of time you can look and apply for a job. For longer period you can apply a social visit pass or the EPEC (Employment Pass Eligibility Certificate). In Singapore most job opportunities are online. Just be sure you’re already in Singapore once you applied, so that your application will not be wasted. Much more you are not binded to a contract, after 6 months of good performance you become a regular employee. You can then apply for Permanent Residence Pass. If it is approved you can now bring your whole family to live there. Canadian citizenship can be attained if you stay for consecutive two years.

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate so basically Filipinos could adjust and adapt easily the climate. For our Filipino workers climate is not a threat. Singapore also is considered as the most clean country. So when it comes to health, staying there is not a problem.

For Filipinos seeking for greener pastures, Singapore is one of the best choice today. Always consider a country having a good economy, this could give you a more promising future, not only for you but for your family. All you have to do is to grab all the chances once you’re there never waste your time, specially if you have no job yet. Prepare necessary documents needed in applying the job. Work hard, to earn big in Singapore.

Good health is the only resource you have to keep going. Realizing that you have family awaiting it is so important to maintain good health. A healthy body is a healthy mind. There are four factors for a having a healthy mind and body.

1. Healthy Diet. Having a balance diet is essential. You will become too choosy when it comes to food specially if it don’t look appealing when it comes to your taste. It is important to read labels, have a healthy diet by taking foods rich in proteins. Vegetables and fruits should be taken. Avoid taking oily foods and drink water as often as needed.
2. Enough Excercise. To have a stress free life, do some exercise to improve blood circulation. For physical excersie you can do lifting weights, walk, jogging, aerobic excersies and a lot more. For mental activity you can do meditation and relaxation that leads to a cool mind. By working out on a regular basis, your body becomes more capable at burning calories. This gives you more energy . It could also increased metabolism and boost your immune system. When following an exercise regimen , greater self esteem can be develop.
3. Enough Sleep. Sleeping is about keeping your mind relax, your muscles grow this time. All of us are required to get enough sleep of at least 7 hours every night. Aside from relaxing your mind you need to choose the right sleeping environment for a sound sleep. If you’re in a new environment it is really hard for you to sleep all you have to do is condition your mind.
4. Avoid Too Much Worries. Avoid becoming too worried of your family left. Be optimistic at all times, negative thinking leads to poor planning. Never be discourage easily, be brave enough and give your best always specially in your work.

These four factors should be taken into account to have a balance and healthy mind and body.