What do I need from the Department of Migrant Workers?
A DMW (formerly POEA) clearance and an Overseas Employment Certificate, valid 60 days from issue and used once.
Direct hiring is prohibited except by the diplomatic corps, international organisations and senior government officials, and by others the administration allows, including employers of professionals and skilled workers on verified contracts above POEA standards (no more than five first-time hires) and relatives who are permanent residents of the host country.
The UK has a government-to-government agreement with the Philippines. The agreement covers nurses and some allied health professionals; an employer planning to hire more than five Philippine staff must be accredited and partner with a Philippine recruitment agency, or a UK foreign placement agency.