Ways to Recruit Migrant Workers: Tips from Accredited Agency to New Zealand from the Philippines
Hiring foreign workers, especially from the Philippines, can be an effective way to address labour shortages and bring valuable skills and expertise to your New Zealand company.
The Philippines is a good choice for hiring employees because Filipinos are well known for displaying a number of positive working traits. They are recognized for their strong work ethic, loyalty, adaptability, and hospitality. They are often praised for maintaining a positive attitude towards work and demonstrating persistence in the face of challenges. Additionally, Filipinos are known to be highly adaptable and eager to acquire new skills. Their emphasis on family and community frequently results in a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration in the workplace.
However, before you start the hiring process, it is important to assess whether your business is ready to take on this responsibility. There are several factors to consider, including regulatory requirements, hiring procedures, and cultural differences. In the following discussion, we’ll explore what you need to consider and do to prepare your business for hiring migrant workers from the Philippines.
Asking the Right Questions
It is essential to evaluate whether a New Zealand company is ready to hire migrant workers from the Philippines to ensure you can handle the responsibilities that come with it. Assessing the readiness of a company is crucial to establish a successful working relationship with new hires and avoid any legal or cultural issues that may arise.
Below are key questions you need to ask to determine whether recruiting migrant workers from the Philippines is ideal for you:
Is hiring workers from the Philippines the best course of action for your company?
Your company needs to have enough funds to cover the recruitment process both in New Zealand and the Philippines, as well as be ready to provide support to your Filipino employees with their daily needs in New Zealand.
Are you capable of providing adequate care for your Filipino employees?
Depending on what’s agreed in the employment contract, it may be your responsibility to find suitable housing for the worker upon their arrival. In addition, Filipino employees will need support beyond their work hours, including briefings on workplace safety and an orientation period when they first start working. This support should continue throughout the duration of their contract.
Are you willing to cover each employee’s entire recruitment expense?
To account for recruitment and placement expenses, you should budget between $4,000 and $5,000 per employee. The law requires you to cover the cost of your employees’ flights from the Philippines. It is recommended that you pay separately for the testing of your employees’ skills, including first aid, driving, and English. To ensure that the trade testing meets your standards, it is best for your company to cover the expenses. Additionally, it is advisable to travel to the Philippines for the final interviews.
Did you know that individuals with skilled work visas are required to be employees?
It is not allowed to hire any of the staff you bring to New Zealand as independent contractors; they must all be employees of your company.
Do you have the means to compensate your employees for at least 30 hours per week throughout their contract, even during periods of low activity?
In order to meet the minimum wage requirements until the end of their contract period, your Filipino employees must be paid for a minimum of 30 hours per week, even if your work with a client ends before that time. This obligation persists unless the employment contract is terminated with proper notice.
Ways to Recruit Migrant Workers from the Philippines
You can choose to hire a New Zealand recruitment agent to recruit on your behalf and/or a Department of Migrant Workers-licensed recruitment agency in the Philippines. Careful consideration in choosing among New Zealand recruitment agencies should be done to ensure they are meeting all legal requirements for both countries.
In relation to the steps you need to take, you can use the following notes to serve as your guide when working with an employment services company:
1. Conduct research to find reputable recruitment agencies in the Philippines that specialize in your field. Check with trade groups, business networks, or online directories.
2. Choose and contact recruitment firms to discuss your employment needs, job specifications, and timeline. During the conversation, be sure to ask about their costs, services, and any warranties they may provide. You may also wish to ask for recommendations or case studies from former clients.
3. Provide a detailed description of the position’s duties, qualifications, and experience requirements for the hiring organization. Additionally, you may need to provide information such as the wage range and desired work location.
4. Once the recruitment agency has advertised the job opportunity, screened, and interviewed applicants, they will provide you with a shortlist of qualified individuals. Additionally, they may evaluate the candidates’ references, conduct background checks, and test their language and other skills.
5. To make a final hiring decision, you can evaluate the shortlist and conduct your own interviews or assessments.
6. The recruitment service can help with the job offer, employment contract, and any required immigration or visa applications if you choose a candidate.
7. The individual can start working for your organization as soon as they accept the job offer and finish all necessary immigration or visa processes.
Staffhouse: Your Partner Recruitment Agency for New Zealand in the Philippines
Upon carefully assessing and deciding that your company is all set to hire migrant workers from the Philippines, you can choose to partner with Staffhouse International Resources to fill the job roles your company needs. We offer recruitment services for a wide range of industries, including construction, healthcare, agriculture, and others.
Staffhouse is a DMW agency for New Zealand. Equipped with the proper licenses both in New Zealand and the Philippines, Staffhouse can assist your company in finding the right candidates to help bring your company nearer to your business goals.
Start connecting with us to discuss your staffing needs in New Zealand. Contact us through our official social media channels:
