Looking To Work Overseas? These In Demand Jobs Abroad Are Worth Considering

Working overseas is a dream that Filipinos have achieved through the years. Close to two million OFWs have already set their foot on foreign ground, and have served the nation in their own way. But the OFW dream took a pause because of changes brought about by the pandemic. The world closed in response to that, and most OFWs were repatriated back home for their own safety. 

Now the world has re-opened and the opportunities have come rushing in. From nursing to engineering, the jobs in demand abroad are endless now. But did you know that these jobs also come with great rewards? 

We will get to that. But before we do, we take a look at some little known OFW facts to further appreciate the work they do. Plus, this is to better understand one of the sectors that fuel the economy in total.

Also read: Our Comprehensive Guide On How To Work Abroad

The OFW sector in numbers

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, here are some facts worth sharing about this sector. Primarily, the OFW sector accounts for about 9.3% of our total GDP. Dubbed the modern-day heroes, these workers leave their families to work, aiming for a brighter future, and for the sake of our country’s benefit too. 

What else is there to know about this sector? Here are some important facts by the numbers.

• To start things off, the number of OFWs abroad are close to two million, specifically at 1.77M. Women comprise the majority of the OFWs at 59.6% and are usually aged 30-34. 
• The highest number of OFWs are in the elementary occupation (46.7%). This usually includes teaching jobs. Service follows at 14.4% and machine operations at 11.5%.
• Total remittance for the country amounted to Php 134 million in 2020, and continues to increase by the day. 
• Out of all the regions, OFWs usually came from the CALABARZON region (18.5%), followed by Central Luzon (11.8%) and National Capital Region (8.4%).

Also read: These In-Demand Skills Can Help You Get Ahead in Your Career

What are the in-demand jobs abroad?

As the world moves forward, so do the ways people work. Job roles have evolved because the needs changed. Let’s take a look at five of them now.

1. Healthcare Professionals

Average Starting Salary: Php 80,000 to 100,000

The world not only cares about work-life balance, but also cares about health. Since the pandemic, people have become more conscious of their health choices. Whether it be to change up their diet, their exercise regimen, and the like, people want to take care of themselves more. 

Healthcare has become one of the most sought-after professions abroad over the years, and continues to increase depending on demand. Nurses, in particular, are a position that is consistently open in terms of opportunities. According to a report by Reuters, the Philippine government increased the number of OFW nurses to 6,500 annually. 

In the UK specifically, the pay of a nurse could be around Php 1.5M (GBP 24,000) on average. 

The roles that usually fall under this department are:

• Surgical Staff Nurse. These nurses usually assist surgeons during minor or major operations.

• Mental Health Nurse. Specially assigned to cater to patients with mental health concerns.

• Laboratory Technicians. They are in charge of collecting and processing specimens and vital health signs for interpretation. 

• Pharmaceutical Technicians. They perform the necessary administrative duties for pharmacies. 

• ICU and CCU Nurses. These nurses cater to emergency and need-to-address-ASAP cases. Examples include heart attacks, poisonous bites, choking, to name a few.  
• Dental Technicians. An in-demand position particularly in Kuwait, those who need immediate and maintenance care for their teeth can run to these professionals. 

2. Finance professionals

Average Starting Salary: Php 70,000 to Php 100,000

The way to make money is to enter the money industry itself. Several roles in this sector have since grown, because of digitalization and the like. On top of that, most finance professionals work independently, especially for those in the freelance industry. 

Falling under this category are the following roles:

• Audit Managers. These professionals handle internal audits for a company and ensure that the employer they work for follows the rules to a tee.
• Accountants. Several categories branch out from here, like tax, project, and management. Depending on your specialization, your main role is to make sure the books are balanced each and every time. 
• Bookkeeper. Your job is to take note of every business affair your client gets into. 

3. Education Professionals

Average Starting Salary: Php 46,000 to Php 100,000

If you have a knack for teaching, this could be the role for you. Countries in the Middle East like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are searching for standard subject specialists like Mathematics and Science. 

Roles that fall under this sector are:

• Mathematics Teacher. These professionals must have a good grasp of basic principles and foundations of Math. Pay can also increase depending on subject specialization like geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and algebra.  
• Science Teacher. From biology to physics, the professional in particular must have basic knowledge of science. 
• Subject Teacher. Teachers must be equipped with knowledge of the subject they are assigned to. 

4. Engineering Professionals

Php 54,000 to Php 85,000

These people have not only built their way towards the top, but also towards a well-paid future – and for good reason too. These professionals are the backbone of any cosmopolitan reality, from building skyscrapers to towers and ensuring the ins and outs of these structures stay stable through the years. 

They are usually in demand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. 

Roles under this sector include:

• Manufacturing. Whether it is making small-scale or large-scale articles, professionals tinker with machinery to create parts of something, e.g. building parts.
• Mechanic. On the other hand, mechanics maintain machinery and ensure that they are well-maintained and well taken care of.
• Industrial Electrician. This specialized position (most wanted in Saudi Arabia) is in charge of repairing and maintaining electrical equipment. 

5. Advertising Professionals

Average Starting Salary: Php 54,000 to Php 85,000 

If you like to let people walk your talk, this is the best industry to get to. From creating campaigns online and on the ground to maneuvering social media, this position remains to be one of the most searched. 

6. Beauty Professionals

Average Starting Salary: Php 15,000 to Php 30,000

Beauty may also count on the inside, but it’s even better to enhance the outside too! Even if you are just starting out, this sector offers a slew of high paying jobs abroad with no experience, from nail technicians to general beauty professionals. 

What are the top countries for deployment?

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Saudi Arabia remains to be the top country of deployment at 26.6%. United Arab Emirates follows suit at 14.6%, and the last three are Kuwait (6.4%), Hong Kong (6.3%), and Singapore (5.3%). 

Being an OFW is both an honor and a pursuit. It is a good way of serving the Philippines and chasing your dreams outside as well, wherever it may be. Knowing your dream path is one thing, but reaping the rewards of it is the icing on top of that sweet cake. We wish you all the best on your search!

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