RP Embassy in Caracas warns against dubious job offers in Trinidad and Tobago

6 May 2010 – The Philippine Embassy in Venezuela warns the public of dubious companies offering supposed lucrative employment in Trinidad and Tobago.

According to the Embassy, certain companies are asking Filipino workers intending to work in Trinidad and Tobago to acquire a Caribbean Community  (CARICOM) Skills Certification and pay a certain amount prior to the processing of the Filipino applicant’s employment in that company.

The Embassy was alarmed upon receiving an email from a fire engineer in a Saudi Arabian company, seeking assistance on the requirements of a CARICOM skills certification for employment.

Prior to seeking the Embassy’s assistance, the fire engineer was notified through email that he was accepted as Maintenance and Fire Safety Engineer in a certain energy company in Trinidad and Tobago. The job contract offered a high salary.

However, he has to apply for a CARICOM Skills Certificate and pay US$765.00, for notarial and legal service fees for his documents to be used in Trinidad and Tobago.

The Philippine Embassy in Venezuela clarified that CARICOM Skills Certificate is meant for the free movement of citizens of CARICOM member-countries, namely Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat (UK), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, to work in the Caribbean states. It is not for Filipinos and other foreigners.

The companies’ profile, company’s registration, and prospective employment contract should be examined carefully. These documents should all be notarized and authenticated by the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

It is also advisable to verify the existence of such companies with the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency or the Embassy before further transacting with them, according to the Philippine Embassy press statement.