New Philippine Guidelines: What Greek Employers Need to Know When Hiring Filipino Workers

The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) has recently issued updated guidelines on the recruitment and deployment of Filipino workers to Greece. For Greek employers, these rules are not only important for compliance but also essential to ensure smooth hiring processes, prevent delays, and maintain a trustworthy reputation with both governments.

Mandatory Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)

Before any Filipino worker can depart for Greece, they must secure an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the Philippine side. Employers must coordinate with licensed recruitment agencies to guarantee that workers’ contracts are verified and cleared in advance. Without an OEC, workers are not permitted to leave the Philippines, which can result in costly delays for employers.

Insurance and Worker Protection

Employers are now expected to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for Filipino workers. This includes life, health, repatriation, and protection in cases of contract termination. By complying with these requirements, Greek employers can safeguard themselves from liabilities and foster stronger trust with workers and their families.

Verified Employment Contracts

Employment contracts must be written in English and verified both in Greece and the Philippines. Contracts should clearly outline the role, salary, benefits, accommodation, and working hours. Greek employers should note that POLO and the Philippine Embassy will not process unclear or incomplete contracts, making accuracy and transparency critical.

Prohibition on Direct Hiring

The Philippine guidelines reaffirm the ban on direct hiring of workers by foreign employers, except in rare cases. This means Greek employers must work with licensed recruitment agencies recognized by both Greece and the Philippines. Doing so minimizes risks of illegal recruitment, ensures smoother paperwork, and provides additional oversight in case disputes arise.

Compliance with Greek Law

In addition to Philippine regulations, Greek employers must strictly adhere to Greek labor laws governing third-country nationals. These include:

• Securing valid residence and work permits for workers.

• Limiting seasonal contracts to a maximum of nine months within a 12-month period.

• Providing decent accommodation and ensuring social security and tax obligations are met.

• Observing wage, leave, and safety standards as required under Greek law.

Employers who fail to comply face potential fines, sanctions, or restrictions on future recruitment.

For Domestic Helpers and Specialized Roles

Greek households or employers hiring domestic workers must ensure contracts are properly endorsed by the Philippine Embassy and processed through POLO. Final OEC approval will only be granted once the recruitment agency submits verified documents, ensuring that household workers enter Greece with full legal protection.

Building Trust Through Compliance

These new guidelines are designed to protect workers while helping reputable Greek employers build long-term relationships with skilled Filipino employees. By following the rules set by both governments, employers avoid administrative complications and strengthen their standing as responsible partners in global labor mobility.

Bridge Recruiters is fully licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Labor in Greece and recognized by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) through partnership. Greek employers who work with Bridge Recruiters can be assured of a compliant, transparent, and efficient process when hiring Filipino workers.