My Top Agencies for Workers Traveling the Middle East

Oh yes! We want to experience working abroad because of its obviously high paying salary and the greater chance of earning for the future. So this is the right time for me to share my insights about what agencies you might want to go in applying for a job. Since Middle East is one of the most popular place that Filipinos land and this blog is based on my experience, I gave my top agencies for you to ponder and to encounter the ups and downs of life that awaits you. Happy hunting! 

1. Abba Personnel Services Inc.

Location: Gold Loop Towers, Escriva Drive, Pasig, 1600 Metro Manila

How to go there: Ride an MRT then alight at Shaw boulevard. Walk along Shangri-La Mall until you reach Metrobank and Red Ribbon. Between Metrobank and Red Ribbon, turn left then then turn right on the first corner that you see. Walk straight ahead until you see Gold Loop Towers building.

Pros: I considered this to be the first in the line among other agencies since it offers no placement fee with a very swift processing. My sister, after being qualified from the exam and interview, was given flight in a month. Swift right?

Cons: Strict policies and high qualifications. The place is small but you will be evaluated immediately once you have passed all the requirements. 

2. IPAMS (Industrial Personnel and Management Services, Inc)

Location: 723 IPAMS Building, Aurora Boulevard, New Manila, Quezon City, Metro Manila

How to get there: Ride an MRT then alight at Cubao station. From Cubao, ride LRT 2 then alight at Gilmore station. Landmark is Robinsons Magnolia. Walk across Dona Hemady street until you see the huge letters embossed in the building IPAMS.

Pros: The agency offers various jobs not only in the Middle East but also in European countries. The place is very elegant and comfortable so you will not feel easily exhausted. According to their site, they also do not charge placement fees which I cannot assure since I was not able to pass their requirements.

Cons: If the requirement doesn' t fit, then you will be asked to come back again. Once everything fits, then you can apply again.

3. LBS Recruitment Solutions Corporation
Location: No. 610 Gochangco Bldg. T.M Kalaw St. cor M.Y Orosa St. Ermita, Manila

How to get there: Ride an fx going to Quiapo then alight at Quiapo. Ride a jeep with a signboard Mabini. 
Pros: You can be evaluated immediately after passing all the requirements. In addition, you will always be updated through e-mail or you can be texted in your mobile number you have provided.

Cons: You need to wait for a long time. I and my friend had our initial interview in this agency telling us that we have already passed. However, after the long wait we were not updated. Make sure that your qualifications fit with what they need because it matters most.

4. SCS Placement Services
Location:96 New York Street Corner E. Rodriguez Cubao, Metro Manila
How to get there: Ride a bus/MRT to Cubao. The fastest way is through MRT since it has little stopover. Alight at Cubao station then ride a tricycle to the agency. 
Pros: Although the agency has not been working for a long period like the other agencies, it has proven its strength in deploying Filipino workers all over the country. Send your qualifications through workabroad and a message will be sent to you for interview. 
Cons:The agency is quite hard to find as it is located in the middle of Cubao.  It lacks manpower so make sure that you passed the qualifications they are searching so as not to waste time and effort. There is placement fee but no processing fee. Processing will take long time since a friend of mine waited for 6 months before leaving the country.

5. Princess Joy Placement and General Services
Location: J. Nakpil Street Cor. Dr. A. Vasquez Streetmalate, Metro Manila
Cons: Once you have passed the interview and you get hired, you can immediately proceed to the next step of processing your medical and visa. However, waiting period may take time. Personally, I waited for 6 months before leaving the country because an issue with the officer but finally everything fell off into the right place. There is a huge amount of placement fee that you need to pay (your basic plus the processing fee) so better save and contact your wealthy member of the family.

Pros: Why did I consider this part of the top? Because once you get hired, it is pretty sure that you can leave the country. I doubted because of the long wait but  rest assured that they will not leave you empty handed.

Food for thought:

1. Before going to the agency, call them first and ask if there is still an opening as you might end up frustrated and tired from all the efforts you have made.
2. Always bring water and pocket foods for you to eat. Remember, always expect the unexpected as there are long hours that you need to wait before being evaluated.
3. Bring something that will make you busy while waiting: a book of interest, a game in your cellphone, or a funny movie will let you enjoy your job hunting.
4. Push hard. It is truly disappointing because of the long queue and the long wait. Do not be intimidated with the people around you. Be positive and push yourself to the limits. Personally, my journey as a job hunter became hard as I went to a lot of agencies (I think around 20), and I journeyed all alone because my friend was qualified in the agency that we applied. I still continued and did not lose hope. After 2 years, here I am back in Riyadh.

Note:  All locations are coming from Fairview since I am living in North Caloocan. The agencies that I have written were all based on my experience. If you think these are not top for you or you have experienced a different thing, you can post comments. 

Why Riyadh in the First Place? (Great for first timers)

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is often stereotyped as a country that most parent would not allow their children especially for a girl because of their scary thought of rape and people whose law is an "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, etc." Well, here's the picture and a fact. As I have been here 3 years ago, I realized that this is not a bad country at all. Personally, I came back because of work but I said to myself that I will only return if and only if I can work in a government hospital. Think of it, major percentage of Filipinos return to Saudi Arabia not mainly for money but maybe because it is also a safe place if you follow the rules. Also, they bring their families here because of its rich resources and because of tax exemption.

Thought to Self:

1. Always think of yourself. Benefits should matter such as vacation entitlement and freedom. If your employer cannot provide you a good transportation for your own safety, then that's not a pretty great deal.
2. Have great friends to share your happiness with. Great job and great money do not last without great friends so have someone to lean on and share your interests with.

Things to do:

People would often think that this is a place where you cannot stroll around because you are like a prisoner in a desert. I want to break that thought. Here are the things to do in this country:

1. Shop, Shop, and shop. If you are a shopaholic, then you picked the best place. Riyadh is a place of interest for people who want to see wonderful branded products from shoes, perfumes and household items.
2. Go to other countries. Because this is part of the Middle East, it is near every country such as Dubai (2 hours away) or United Kingdom (5 hours away). Isn't that great?
3. Visit Red Sand Dunes. Not only you can experience sand dunes in Dubai or in Ilocos but also in Riyadh. Experience removing your abaya (famous black dress worn by women to cover themselves) and ride an ATV vehicle while taking pictures or walk barefoot in the cold pristine sands in Riyadh.
4. Visit parks, zoo, and beach (Dammam is the nearest and only popular beach here).
5. In the future, a new railway system will be built. Visit the site for a clearer picture:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMh1ll5i41s

Hey, always look for the greater picture. If people keep on asking you why did you choose the country, then ask them back, "Why not?" Moreover, you're not deserted at all if you have great people around.