Ben W

Welcome to the household luxury staffing podcast by Morgan & Mallet. Today I’m joined by our senior recruiter Dave from our Dubai office. Dave grew up in the Philippines, so we’re going to dig into the Philippines and Filipino workers. Dave, tell us a bit about yourself.

Dave

I’m a Filipino from the Philippines. I’d describe myself as easygoing, adventurous, and someone who loves to travel. I graduated with a degree in secondary education, majoring in biological science, and worked as a high school teacher. I was also elected youth chairperson in my community, the highest elected position representing the youth, running youth programs funded by the national government.

Ben W

How did you end up in Dubai, working for Morgan & Mallet?

Dave

I always wanted to work abroad, and I have relatives here, so I came to the UAE to look for an opportunity. I checked the usual platforms and found Morgan & Mallet International hiring an HR assistant. I didn’t have a sourcing background, but I have a can-do attitude, so I went for it. At first I just needed a job and a working visa, but I liked the work, and I’m still here two years on. Last February I was promoted to recruiter.

Ben W

When you saw the salaries an agency like Morgan & Mallet offers, what was your honest reaction?

Dave

I was genuinely impressed. The packages are competitive and fair, and they reflect the skills and responsibilities of each role, whether in domestic staffing, luxury hospitality, or yachts. Fair pay makes the process smoother, because candidates feel their expertise is valued and clients attract top talent. When people feel appreciated, they stay longer, and I think that’s a big reason for the agency’s strong reputation.

Ben W

It makes your job easier too. If the salary is strong, candidates come to you.

Dave

Exactly. When you post a role on LinkedIn, plenty of candidates reach out by email or on LinkedIn, so the job is easier.

Ben W

Morgan told me a lot of Filipino candidates see a high salary and assume it has to be a scam. Why is that reaction so common?

Dave

There are many recruitment scams in the UAE, so candidates of every nationality become cautious when they see a high-paying advert. Their first thought is that it seems too good to be true. Scammers can look professional, run interviews, and pretend to be a real company, then ask for a processing fee and disappear. So it’s good to verify a company first: check the official website, read the Google reviews, confirm the contact details, and make sure the recruiter is connected to the company. The biggest red flag is being asked to pay a fee. A reputable agency never charges candidates. The client pays for the service.

Ben W

Do you know anyone who was targeted by a fake job offer?

Dave

Yes. A few friends, and some candidates I interviewed, told me they paid a decent amount as a processing fee and never got a job offer. That’s when they realized it was a scam.

Ben W

What made you decide to trust Morgan & Mallet when a lot of people might have walked away?

Dave

I did my research first. The online presence looked professional and transparent, and when they called, the real company name showed on my phone, which gave me confidence. No one asked me for payment, and the communication was professional throughout. I was interviewed by Mr. Morgan and another recruiter, then a second time by Ms. Laurine. I felt comfortable moving forward, and I’m glad I did.

Ben W

How does the fear of being scammed shape the career choices Filipinos make?

Dave

Many have been conditioned by past experience. In places like Hong Kong and Singapore it’s common to see Filipino domestic workers doing several roles at once, housekeeper and nanny and cook and caregiver, sometimes for around 2,000 dirhams, just to support family back home. So when they see 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 dirhams in the UAE for a similar role, their first reaction is that it can’t be real. During screening calls I tell them not to click a link, but to search Morgan & Mallet on Google, read the reviews, and check our LinkedIn page. I make it clear we never charge candidates a fee. The clients pay, because they value experienced staff.

Ben W

What would you say to a Filipino candidate looking at a great offer but too nervous to apply?

Dave

If someone has been asked for a payment at an interview, the right response is to refuse and walk away. Those moments feel like a waste of time, but they become lessons that help you spot red flags in future. Moving abroad already means leaving your comfort zone, so don’t let fear stop you from pursuing real opportunities. Stay alert, keep looking, and with the right mindset and proper caution you will find the right job.

Ben W

What do you wish staffing agencies understood about Filipino candidates and how these jobs are viewed back home?

Dave

Many Filipino candidates approach jobs abroad with a mix of hope and caution. Back home, working overseas is a way to support family and improve the future, so people are motivated but careful. Agencies shouldn’t let a worker’s low pay in the past define fair pay in the future. Filipino workers, and many other nationalities, are hardworking and adaptable and often go beyond the job description, running errands and taking on extra tasks. They deserve to be properly valued and fairly paid. Fair treatment, respect, and proper pay are not just about business, they’re about recognizing the human effort behind the work. When workers feel valued, it leads to better performance and long-term success for both sides.

Ben W

Morgan said the real luxury starts when a candidate stays long term. The longer they’re there, the better they know the family, so they start anticipating needs and preparing in advance. That’s when reliable, repeatable luxury service really happens.

Dave

Exactly. They already know the preferences of their employers.

Ben W

Thank you, Dave. If you’re a candidate looking for a new position, or a client looking for your next household hire, visit householdstaff.agency to see the roles and salaries on offer and to speak with a recruiter. You can also find us on YouTube. Thanks again, Dave, take care.