Although mostly employed on a full-time basis, some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) take on side jobs to make ends meet and be better providers for their family’s needs.
This is why it is not uncommon to hear about OFWs taking advantage of the internet so they can earn additional income. Besides, the web can particularly be a useful tool in doing business during their free time. That is why some OFWs run their own blogs or venture in selling products online.
Rumor has it, however, that the Taiwanese government isn’t exactly pleased with this widespread practice – especially with online selling.
According to a recent post by the PinoyRefresher.com blog, Taiwan-based foreign workers who are engaged in online businesses may be in danger of losing their jobs or that their contacts may be terminated “if they will be caught by their employers.”
Allegedly, a letter from a concerned agency in the Philippines calls to remind OFWs to refrain from online selling of any kind. PinoyRefresher tells us that the letter was issued by the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and that the Taiwanese government authorities are already “seriously looking” into the situation. The blog goes on to mention that the authorities have even reprimanded agencies because of the problem.
If this rumor is proven to be true, then this, of course, can be alarming for foreign workers who are trying to earn extra money via online selling. It might lead to the undesirable consequence of contract termination, as stated above.
However, some are disregarding the letter as a hoax saying there is no way that both the Philippines and Taiwan would release such a notice. Some even believe that the alleged letter is merely a “scare tactic” being spread by other sellers in the hopes of eliminating some competition.
Or could it be possible that some employers are really getting concerned that a foreign worker’s online sideline is getting in the way of fulfilling his or her full-time duties?
What do you think about this, guys? Have you ever heard about this letter? Tell us in the comment section below.