Filipinos in Japan

Filipinos in Japan formed a population of 202,592 individuals at year-end 2007, making them Japan's third-largest foreign community along with Brazilians, according to the statistics of theMinistry of Justice. Their population reached as high as 245,518 in 1998, but fell to 144,871 individuals in 2000 before beginning to recover slightly when Japan cracked down on human trafficking. In 2006, Japanese/Filipino marriages were the most frequent of all international marriages in Japan. As of March 12, 2011, the Filipino population of Japan was 305,972.

According to figures published by the Central Bank of the Philippines, overseas Filipino workers in Japan remitted more than US$1 billion between 1990 and 1999; one newspaper described the contributions of overseas workers as a "major source of life support for the Philippines' ailing economy." Though most Filipinos in Japan are short-term residents, the history of their community extends back further; during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines, some Filipino students studied in Japanese universities.

Filipinos have already become a huge part of the Japanese community and are not really considered that foreign anymore - which is good because it makes adjusting a bit easier. First of all there's the age issue. In the Philippines, the legal age is 18 years old. In Japan the legal age is 20.

Another issue is the language barrier. Very few Japanese can understand English, let alone speak English. You won't be able to get away without learning and mastering their language. If you want to survive in this country, learn Japanese language.

Filipinos in Japan are good. It is very important to carry ourselves in a carefully disciplined way, show that they are serious about their work. 

Yes, life as an OFW in Japan is tough, but more so than that, it is very fun and the things that you can learn are really invaluable. If you are planning to work in Japan, you will need to learn how adopt their culture.

Obviously, expat life in Japan goes well beyond shipping your belongings and taking care of red tape. Socializing with fellow Filipinos is an important facet of living abroad and can be a huge stepping stone in getting to know the Japanese mentality and way of life. Filipinos in Japan are a part of our community, calling cities such as Sapporo, the Kansai Region, Tokyo, and many others home. You can use InterNations to look for fellow Filipinos in Tokyo, for example.

Wondering where to shop for Filipino delicatessen, want to discuss your national team's latest match, or simply talk to someone in your native language? Become a member of the Japanese InterNations Community.

Additionally, InterNations hosts regular expat events and activities in Japan. Our get-togethers are sure to cater to your taste as well: as a member, you can partake in cozy gatherings to enjoy some Japanese sushi and sashimi, join one of our huge expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Tokyo’s best locations, and much more. Want to discover Japan? Go on a weekend trip with your fellow expats to see Hokkaido's wide open spaces and snowy frontier and other beautiful landmarks.

Filipinos in Hong Kong

Although Filipino domestic workers outnumber other Filipinos in other professions, there are a notable number of Filipino professionals in Hong Kong. Some arearchitects and civil engineers, working on some of the more prominent buildings and construction projects in Hong Kong. Some are information technology professionals, and some are in professional services (accounting, law, finance) too. A significant proportion of those employed as domestic workers in Hong Kong have other professions in the Philippines, even those with university degrees work in Hong Kong because of better financial opportunities.

The first Filipinos to have worked professionally in Hong Kong were these groups who went to Hong Kong during the post-World War II years and following the fall of the Mainland to the Communists in 1949. Many Filipinos also work in service industries in the Central business district, and also in Hong Kong Disneyland as entertainers or other cast members.

Eastern District has the highest concentration of Filipino residents of any district in Hong Kong, with 3.24% of the district's population being of Filipino descent (14,596 people).

Most Filipinos in Hong Kong communicate with the local population in English . However, they communicate with their own friends and community in Tagalog or in another Filipino language. Most of them have also picked up a few Cantonese phrases in everyday life. A few are adept at Cantonese usage.

Filipinos haven't settled long enough in Hong Kong to have a large number who know Cantonese fluently, unlike some of the other ethnic minorities such as the Pakistanis and the Indians who often speak Cantonese as well as their Chinese neighbors. This is because most Filipino workers are transients who do not intend to settle in Hong Kong—each year, a large number of these leave Hong Kong permanently, to be replaced by a different set of Filipinos who have to learn Cantonese from the beginning.

Most Filipinos in Hong Kong are Christians, the majority Roman Catholic. There are also a sizeable number who congregate in Protestant and non-denominational churches. A minority are Muslims or Buddhists. Many spend at least a part of their Sunday mornings attending Mass and various church services. Numerous Catholic parishes in Hong Kong offer Masses in Tagalog or English geared towards the Filipinos. According to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hong Kong (2011), there is an estimated 120,000 Filipino Catholics who make up a large part of the non-local parish membership.

Work in Singapore

Singapore officially the Republic of Singapore, is a sovereign city-state and island country inSoutheast Asia. It lies off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula and is 137 kilometres north of the equator. The country's territory consists of the lozenge-shaped main island, commonly referred to as Singapore Island in English and Pulau Ujong in Malay, and more than 60 significantly smaller islets. Singapore is separated from Peninsular Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to the north, and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the Singapore Strait to the south. The country is highly urbanised, and little of the original vegetation remains. The country's territory has consistently expanded through land reclamation.

Singapore has lot to offer foreign graduates, being a highly developed country with one of the most successful economies in the world. Its cosmopolitan workforce is efficient and productive, and in growth areas such as IT, finance and software engineering, local talent needs to be supplemented with skilled foreign workers in order to meet demand.

Major industries in Singapore are banking and finance, biomedical sciences, chemicals, communications and media, electronics and precision engineering, oil drilling equipment, IT, maritime services. Singapore's major companies are the following: BP Singapore, CapitaLand, DBS, Exxon Mobil, Shell Eastern Trading, Petrochina International, SK Energy International, Sinochem International Oil, Vitol Asia, Wilmar International.

Singapore employers give an annual leave if you have worked with a company for at least three months. Annual leave allowance ranges from 7 to 14 days, depending on the length of service. Personal income tax rates are lower than in many other developed countries. As a non-resident, you will be liable to pay income tax if you have worked in Singapore for 60 days or more.

Top Advice:

• You may use the Internet in Finding a job. Online job portals such as JobsCentral.com, or monster.com, are just a few of the many job websites with positions in Singapore advertised, and are a great way to get started. These online sites also help you create a resume and make applying for jobs easy. Aside from general job search websites, there are also sites specific to Singapore. The Singapore government has a directory where you can find various public service and other government jobs, just visit https://app.vog.gov.sg/ .
• Attending Job Fairs is another great way to begin networking with companies located in Singapore and to find specific job vacancies. A large career fair is organized by the Singapore Professional Centre (SPC) every year. Visit Career Services Singapore at http://www.careerseries.com.sg for more information.
• Candidates need to secure a job offer in order to get a work permit. Where a CV is required, follow the guidelines for a UK CV. Your CV should be no longer than two A4 pages and should include an objective personal profile, followed by your educational background, a summary of your work experience and positions of responsibilities, and references. When writing your personal profile (three or four lines maximum), state your career focus and/or aims and evidence of two or three main strengths. 

Work in Australia

Australia is a country comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area. Neighboring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north; the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to the north-east; and New Zealand to the south-east.

Australia is a great place to live and work, offering lifestyle and employment opportunities.  You must have a valid Australian visa with work rights to get work in Australia. A range of temporary and permanent skilled visas are available. Australian laws provide all employees with basic rights and protection in the workplace.

If you like the idea of Australia's climate and lifestyle and are looking for a career challenge in a country with lots of opportunities - take the next step to find out more about Australia's skilled working visas.

Your journey starts when you submit an expression of interest for a skilled visa through SkillSelect. By using SkillSelect the Australian government could invite you to lodge a visa application or you could be nominated by an Australian or state and territory government. Find out what you need to do to complete your expression of interest through SkillSelect.

Top Advice:

• You must protect yourself from migration fraud and scams. There are correct processes for applying to live and work in Australia. Work visa scams. 
• The first thing you have to do is get the right visa. And it's easy, you can even apply for it online.
• A visa – working holiday visas can be obtained from www.immi.gov.au and they cost $270. Don't go anywhere else – they're going to rip you off. WHVs allow you to stay in Australia for up to a year, working for each employer for no more than six months. If you want to stay for another year, then you will have to do three months of 'designated work' (farm work – often fruit picking – in the middle of nowhere) whilst on your first WHV to be eligible. If you don't want to work there, then 3/6 month tourist visas are available.
• It is also necessary to have your wages paid into. You can set it up & transfer money before you go, and then activate when you get there (you'll need to show your passport and visa). Some of the most popular banks are Commonwealth, Westpac, ANZ and NAB, although the latter's card cannot be used online as it's not a Visa / Mastercard.
• Tax file number is important to stop you being taxed at 48%. You can get one from www.ato.gov.au , but you can only do it once you've entered Australia. You get a 30-day grace period in which you will not be taxed at 48%, which gives you time for the TFN to arrive. When you leave Australia, or at the end of the tax year on 30th June, you can claim back all your tax and 'super' (pension contributions).

How to Get a Job in Korea

Working in Korea may be a challenge for foreigners who are unwilling to put in the hours and efforts that many Korean nationals are used to. Korea has one of the highest average work weeks and overtime hours in the world. With their rigorous work ethic, you can expect to go beyond your own standards to keep up. However, if you can be committed, the people around you will in return be committed to you.

Korean people are known for their intelligence and work ethic. It is no wonder why the country has one of the highest average annual work hours. If you’re planning to find employment in South Korea, you better be prepared to put in a lot of hours and effort. Bonuses are sometimes given, depending on the company.

Luckily, law changes have dropped the maximum workweek down to 40 hours and adopted a 5-day workweek system. Unless you are planning to work for a smaller company (with 5 regular employees or less), the new law applies to you as well. Although some contracts do allow for minor adjustments in hours, the average workweek in any 2-week period is not to exceed the maximum 40 hours. Also, workers may not be required to work more than 12 hours in any given day.

A Tourist Visa to Korea is generally FREE, but you still have to apply for it. You can get your visa in as short as 3 days or as long as a week.

Here are some tips on how to apply for a South Korea Visa here in Manila.

• No need for appointments, but visa application happens every day from 9.00am to 11.00am only. The Korean Embassy is located at 122 Upper McKinley Road, McKinley Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1634. This is along C5, right after Petron and Jollibee on the road going to McKinley Hill.



• Make sure you have the following complete visa requirements.

Visa Requirements for Employees:
Application Form
1pc. Passport Size Colored Picture
Passport Original (6 months valid)
Copy of Passport First Page
Original & Copy of Valid Visas and Arrival Stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years.
Employment Certificate Original
Personal Bank Certificate Original
ITR (Income Tax Return) or form 2316 copy

If personally invited by Korean National: Invitation Letter & Copy of Invitor's Passport

If invited by Company in Korea: Invitation Letter & Copy of Korean Company Business Permit

Visa Requirements for Businessmen:
Application Form
1pc. Passport Size Colored Picture
Passport Original (6 months valid)
Copy of Passport First Page
Original & Copy of Valid Visas and Arrival Stamps to OECD member countries for the past 5 years.
Business Registration from SEC or DTI (Copy)
Business Permit or Mayor's Permit (Copy)
Personal Bank Certificate Original
Individual ITR (Income Tax Return) or form 2316 copy

If personally invited by Korean National: Invitation Letter & Copy of Invitor's Passport

If invited by Company in Korea: Invitation Letter & Copy of Korean Company Business Permit

How to Get a Job in Japan

Japan has it all. The country claims one of the largest cities in the world, automated restaurants alongside small rustic villages, and jaw-dropping vistas. It is safe and clean in this country. Japan is very rich in culture and art. These are some of the reasons why so many wish to move to Japan. The cost of living in Japan is high, though, so unless you come with trust fund in hand, you’re going to need a source of income. Speaking nihongo is very important in looking for a job in this country. 

In terms of job opportunities, Japan's fast growing neighbors such as China are more likely to produce large numbers of jobs for foreign workers in the coming decade. That being said, if you have a personal interest in working in Japan, it is possible for you.

Many Japanese companies (including those in the electronics, automotive and heavy manufacturing industries) are open to hiring foreign engineers. There are a great number of engineering jobs in Japan — it's not a function most Japanese companies are willing to offshore.

Japanese companies haven't been quick to offshore IT to India. Most IT shops have hired at least a few foreigners in the local market. This is only likely to increase.

English teaching is the best known path to working in Japan. In the old days (1980s), English teaching in Japan was an excellent deal. The pay was enough to enjoy your life and go home with savings. Conditions for English teachers in Japan remain difficult today. On the plus side, English teaching jobs are available in all of Japan's 47 prefectures. It's possible to live virtually anywhere in Japan and teach English (most other jobs for foreign workers are located in Tokyo). English teachers seldom regret the decision to work in Japan. Even if they don't walk away with big money — it's a great experience.

Top Tips in Looking for a Job in Japan:

• The Internet can be an invaluable tool in Job-Hunting. Though it takes a lot of time and effort just browsing through the myriad of documents available. Below are some websites in where you can check for job vacancies in Japan. There are also a lot of English schools in Japan that are looking for teachers. 

                                 http://www.gaijinpot.com
                                 http://www.oakassociates.co.jp
                                 http://www.randi.co.jp
                                 http://www.robertwalters.co.jp
                                 http://www.reuters.com
                                 http://www.lincmedia.co.jp
                                 http://www.kpmg.or.jp
                                 http://www.daijob.com
                                 http://www.biosjp.com
                                 http://www.panache.co.jp
                                 http://www.morganbanks.co.jp
                                 http://www.tokyoclassified.com
                                 http://www.jobsinjapan.com

• Newspaper & Magazine advertisements are the most common way that foreigners get their jobs. Once you reach Japan, you will need to buy a newspaper. The Japan Times in English has employment ads in their Monday morning edition. This is the only day that the ads are published, and the paper is often not available after about 11am. It is very important to get the paper very early and answer the ads immediately (often they will say something like "call Monday 8am-12pm"). It is not uncommon for all the interview spots to be filled in the first couple hours after the paper comes out Monday morning. It is generally the jobs in the bigger cities (such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, etc.) that go so quickly. Jobs in the smaller rural towns are much more available, but the distance and isolation often make them less desirable. Many of the ads will have very specific parameters about the qualifications they are looking. 

• Students flying to Japan under the auspices of the Ministry of Education or the Japan Student Services Organization have a distinct advantage over almost everybody else when applying for a visa. They are in possession of a special document called the Certificate of Eligibility, which eliminates the need for many of the requirements such as Income Tax Returns, Bank Certificates, and Letters of Guarantee. The Certificate of Eligibility is exclusively issued to university exchange students (whether postgraduate or undergraduate) so to be able to obtain one, it would be best to start off by applying for a Japanese exchange student programme via your college or university. Application procedures vary for different universities (UP, ADMU, DLSU, etc.) and areas of discipline (language, liberal arts, engineering, etc.) so it would be best to consult with your school’s Foreign Exchange offices. Once you have cleared their selection process and are bound for Japan, your certificate will be issued to you alongside your Japanese school admission forms and other documents. All you need to do is submit it to the Consul Office along with your current passport to obtain your visa. 

• These are your requirements in getting a Visa. Proof of financial standing just means that you have the ability to support yourself during your Japan stay; it also implies that you will not be seeking illegal employment once you have entered the country. This proof comes in the form of your original Income Tax Return, which explicitly states how much you pay in taxes and earn in a year. Another important document that proves you are financially capable is a Bank Certificate stating that you have at least PhP 100,000 in savings, which would roughly be the amount you need to cover the 15 days you spend in Japan as allowed by your tourist visa.

• History of travel is basically the number of used visas or old immigration stamps that you have accumulated in your passport. As a rule of thumb, the more stamps you have the better your chances of being granted a visa, since this implies that you regularly travel abroad and that you return to the Philippines after every trip. Used visas from the US, Europe, Australia, and of course Japan are also helpful in getting you an entry visa, since this guarantees the Consul Office that you have entered and left other foreign countries in good faith.

• Last but not least is your proof of return: your round-trip airline ticket. This reassures the Consul Office that you will be returning to the Philippines once the fifteen day limit of your tourist visa expires, and will not attempt to stay in the country illegally for employment purposes. You can also submit land titles, business permits, and other documents that will outline your properties and business interests in the Philippines that you will return to once your trip is finished.

• Once your application has been received, it will take the Japanese consuls office three to five business days to review it and approve or deny your application. If approved, you will receive your passport from your travel agent with the visa attached. If your passport has been returned to you with no visa attached, your application was denied, and you will have to wait another six months to lodge another application. Under no circumstances will the visa office explain why your application has been denied, so there is really no point in pursuing the argument further.

Work in Canada

Canada is a country in North America consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. At 9.98 million square kilometers in total, Canada is the world's second-largest country by total area and the fourth-largest country by land area. Its common border with the United States forms the world's longest land border.

Canada is the top country where Filipinos liked to work. Despite the cold weather, both professional and skilled workers are pouring into the country. One of the trending topics in OFW sites is not just how to work in Canada but how to migrate there. Both opportunities are available and this makes going to this country more appealing. Working in a country that can offer your permanent residence – not just you but for your whole family as well, is a something that Filipinos dream about.

Looking for a job in Canada is the hardest part of the moving process. It’s important that you plan thoroughly, as finding employment can be tricky unless you are focused and motivated. These tips have been compiled for you based on our experience and lots of feedback from our loyal contributors. Please read, understand, and apply them, as they could be crucial to your success.

Top Advice:

• Do not send your resume out to any employers without ensuring you have carefully followed our Writing a Resume section. Poorly written resumes will hinder you from making an impact. Read these tips carefully, ensure you understand the objective, and apply these simple concepts to help your resume impress an employer. Your resume is the all-important first impression, so don’t fall short at this crucial first step. 
• In many professions, responding to ads in the paper and over the Internet are the least effective ways to find employment. Be selective in your job search. Do not blanket bomb 30 companies with the same resume and cover letter, as companies talk. This is a common mistake that people make. Networking, cold calling, and informational interviews are much more effective ways to distribute your resume. 
• Always ensure you have a contact for the company and follow up within a week of submitting your resume to show your interest. “Thank-you” emails after an interview set you apart from other candidates. 
• Leverage LinkedIn. It’s a fast-growing social media tool, so set up your online resume and network as recruiters and employers are using this tool every day to source candidates. Learn tips and tricks on how to be successful with LinkedIn 
• Finding employment in Canada is always easier if you have strong references. Try to obtain employment references from your home country beforehand and provide them, but only if relevant to the role. 
• Effective networking allows you to gain useful insight and gain crucial contacts, both socially and professionally. Research networking events for your profession or ask contacts how best to meet more people in your field. 
• Remember, over 50 percent of positions filled never get advertised publicly, so don’t sit at home waiting for that job to come up. Networking is crucial to finding employment in Canada. Read our Networking 101 article or tips on how to use informational interviews to expand your contacts. You need to get your name out there across your industry so that when a job comes up, you are in position to be called in. 
• Get the word out to all of the local contacts you have that you’re looking for work, and always look to build new contacts as it’s crucial to your success in a new city. 
• One way to expand your local network of contacts (and get that all-important Canadian work experience on your resume) is to volunteer. Go to GoVolunteer.ca to find volunteer opportunities where you can meet people across all sectors of society. 
• Never turn down an offer of help. Be proactive and determined. Email/telephone the person who offered you help the next day and be sure to thank them for any guidance they’ve provided. 
• Hand-written notes are seldom seen nowadays, so use them to differentiate yourself. 
• Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Jobs Board as we post upcoming networking events that may be of interest. 
• Your profession may require your foreign qualifications to be accredited in Canada. Professions such as teaching, physiotherapy, nursing, and social work, among others, usually require additional accreditation. This process can take up to six months so do your research and plan ahead.