If you’re a Filipino looking for employment opportunities abroad, Macau might be one of the places that you’ve considered. As a Special Administrative Region of China, Macau is a bustling city that offers plenty of job opportunities across various industries. However, finding a job in Macau can be challenging, and it’s essential to be aware of the processes and regulations before starting your job search.
One of the first things to consider is your eligibility to work in Macau. As a foreigner, you will need to obtain the appropriate work permit and visa before starting employment. Additionally, it’s important to note that competition for jobs in Macau is high, and you may need to have relevant experience and qualifications to increase your chances of securing a position.
Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on the personal experiences shared by the OFW in the video below. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video on their accounts.
A Guide to Applying for Jobs in Macau: Tips for OFWs
If you are considering working in Macau, there are many jobs available and it is important to have an idea of the salaries offered, how to apply, and what to expect upon arrival. Fortunately, a YouTube video from the channel NIKKO TV, featuring an OFW in Macau named Nikko, provides tips and ideas on these topics. If you want to see the full video, then click on the link below:
One common job opportunity in Macau is working as a domestic helper. The salary for these jobs is not fixed, as it depends on the contract with your employer or agency. However, the normal salary for these jobs is around 4000 MOP, which is equivalent to 24,000 pesos. Some employers may offer higher salaries, depending on their wealth and the contract negotiated with the agency.
When searching for a job in Macau, there are various options available, so it is important to choose carefully and plan for higher salaries.
Cleaner for Establishments
Macao, known as the Las Vegas of Asia or China, has numerous public and private establishments, such as hotels and casinos, that require the services of cleaners. The salary of cleaners in these establishments depends on whether they are direct employees or hired through an agency. The normal rate is 6650 MOP or approximately 39,900 PHP.
There are many opportunities for cleaners in Macao as many establishments continue to require their services. Hotels typically offer other jobs such as room attendants, front desk personnel, bellmen, security, and doormen. If you have experience in any of these positions, you may have a chance of securing work in Macao.
If you work in a hotel and are not a direct employee, you can expect to receive 6,650 MOP per month, with overtime pay included. However, if you are a direct employee, your salary will depend on the capacity of your employer. A 5-star or 4-star hotel could offer a starting monthly salary of 9,000 MOP or around 54,000 PHP for an 8-hour workday.
Directly-hired cleaners in Macao usually work 8 hours a day and are not often required to work overtime. However, their salaries are high enough to compensate for the lack of overtime pay. Furthermore, if you stay with the company for a longer period, your salary will increase yearly, and you will receive a bonus. The normal bonus for a direct hire is one month’s salary, while lucky employees may receive two bonuses of one month’s worth of salary each year.
According to Nikko, his hourly rate is 32 to 33 MOP. So, if you are considering working in Macao as a cleaner or in any other position in a hotel, be sure to check out Nikko’s channel for tips on how to find and apply for jobs in the city.
Here are some facts about working in Macau as a cleaner:
- Macau is a popular destination for Filipino workers seeking employment, including in the cleaning industry.
- To work in Macau as a cleaner, you will need to obtain a work visa and meet certain requirements, such as having a valid passport, passing a health exam, and having no criminal record.
- Many Filipino cleaners in Macau work for hotels and casinos, which offer competitive salaries and benefits, including health insurance and housing.
- The work hours for cleaners in Macau can be long and demanding, with many working 10-12 hours a day, 6-7 days a week.
- Cleaners in Macau are expected to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene, and are often required to complete a rigorous training program before beginning work.
- Due to the high demand for cleaners in Macau, there are many recruitment agencies in the Philippines that specialize in placing Filipino workers in cleaning jobs in Macau.
- The cost of living in Macau can be high, especially for housing and food, but many Filipino cleaners are able to save a significant portion of their income by living frugally and sharing accommodations with other workers.
- Some Filipino cleaners in Macau report experiencing discrimination and mistreatment, including low pay, poor working conditions, and limited opportunities for advancement.
Despite the challenges, many Filipino cleaners in Macau find the work to be rewarding and a way to support their families back home, and some choose to stay in Macau for many years or even permanently.
Restaurants and Bars
Here is a summary on job opportunities for store bar restaurants in Macau:
- There are a lot of potential job opportunities for baristas and bartenders in Macau
- Types of establishments where you could work: cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels
- Responsibilities may include crafting and serving drinks, keeping the area clean, and maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for guests
- Specific salary information varies, but it’s possible to earn a decent income
- Average hourly wage for baristas in Macau is around 32-33 MOP (equivalent to roughly 192-198 PHP)
- Direct employees may be eligible for additional benefits such as bonuses and paid time off
- Keep an eye out for job listings and stay informed about the state of the tourism industry in the region
If you possess relevant experience as a barista or bartender, you may be pleased to know that there are potential job opportunities for you in Macau. These are just a few examples of the types of roles you could consider when searching for employment. It’s worth noting that if and when the tourism industry in Macau picks up again, there may be an increased demand for workers in these fields.
Some establishments you could potentially work for as a barista or bartender in Macau include cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels. In these settings, you might be responsible for crafting and serving drinks to customers, ensuring that the bar or cafe area is clean and organized, and maintaining a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for guests.
While specific salary information for these roles may vary depending on factors such as your level of experience, the employer you work for, and the hours you put in, it’s possible to earn a decent income in these jobs. For example, Nikko TV reports that the average hourly wage for baristas in Macau is around 32-33 MOP (equivalent to roughly 192-198 PHP). If you are hired as a direct employee by an employer in Macau, you may be eligible for additional benefits such as bonuses, paid time off, and other perks.
How to Apply
Here are some of the key points when it comes to applying in Macau:
- There are two ways to apply for a job in Macau: through a normal application process in the Philippines or by going to Macau as a tourist and looking for a job while there.
- Competition for jobs in Macau is fierce, so having high-quality experience is important.
- Agencies based in the Philippines may give you a greater chance of being hired if you have prior experience working in Macau or in other countries.
- Applying for a job in Macau as a tourist is illegal, and there are police officers on the lookout for tourists who are applying for jobs.
- Employers will process the necessary paperwork at the immigration office once you are accepted or interviewed for a job.
If you are interested in applying for a job in Macau, there are two ways you can do it. The first way is to apply through a normal application process in the Philippines. You can find various agencies in Makati or in other locations to assist you. However, competition for jobs in Macau is fierce, so the quality of your experience must be high to stand out among the other applicants.
According to the vlogger, he did not go through the normal application process. Instead, he opted for the second way, which is to go to Macau as a tourist and look for a job while there. While this method is not recommended, as it is not allowed to apply for work if you are a tourist in Macau, some tourists still take this route.
If you have prior experience working in Macau or in other countries, agencies based in the Philippines may give you a greater chance of being hired. This is especially true if you have two or more years of experience in Macau. However, if you do not have any experience, you can still try the second option.
When you apply for a job in Macau as a tourist, you should keep in mind that it is illegal. In fact, there are police officers who wear red caps that are on the lookout for tourists who are applying for jobs. They may arrest you if they catch you in the act. Once you are accepted or interviewed for a job, your employer will process the necessary paperwork at the immigration office. However, the vlogger reiterates that this behavior is not allowed, and you may face legal consequences if caught. If you still want to pursue this option, it is recommended that you bring all the required documents and qualifications with you to Macau.
Important Documents
In Macau, there are various job opportunities available, and to secure employment, you’ll need to provide certain essential documents, such as:
- High school or college diploma
- NBI clearance (mandatory for security jobs)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Birth certificate
- Any other relevant documents
It’s challenging to predict precisely which documents your employer may request, so it’s recommended that you bring all necessary documentation with you. If you forget to bring anything, you can arrange for your family to send them via DHL. Recently, immigration policies have become more strict, and job applications from tourists are not entertained. If you are hired while on a tourist visa, you must leave Macau before proceeding with the employment process.
Applying for a Job in Macau from the Philippines
- Research reputable agencies – Start by doing research on agencies that specialize in job placements for OFWs in Macau. Look for agencies that have a good reputation and positive feedback from previous clients.
- Prepare your documents – Ensure that you have all the necessary documents ready, such as your passport, high school or college diploma, NBI clearance, birth certificate, and other relevant documents.
- Submit your application – Once you’ve selected an agency, submit your application and all the required documents. You may also need to take a medical exam as part of the application process.
- Wait for a job offer – After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for a job offer from a Macau-based employer. The agency will contact you once a suitable job opportunity becomes available.
- Process your work visa – Once you receive a job offer, the agency will assist you in processing your work visa and other necessary documents. This typically involves submitting your passport and medical exam results to the Macau Immigration Department for processing.
- Travel to Macau – Once your work visa is approved, you can make travel arrangements to Macau. The agency may assist you in booking your flight and securing accommodations.
- Start your new job – Upon arrival in Macau, the agency will help you settle in and ensure that you start your new job smoothly.
In conclusion, applying for a job in Macau as an OFW can be a challenging process, but with the right preparation and knowledge, it can also be a highly rewarding experience. The key to success is to ensure that you have all the necessary documents. It’s also essential to be aware of recent changes in immigration policies, as you may need to leave Macau temporarily to complete the employment process. By following these tips and staying informed about the job market in Macau, OFWs can increase their chances of finding meaningful and fulfilling work opportunities in this vibrant and dynamic city.