BACOLOD CITY – Almost 7,000 jobs will be available at the Labor Day fair in SM City Bacolod today, the Department of Labor and Employment said.

Senior Labor Employment Officer Evangeline Indon of DOLE-Bacolod District Office said there are 4,000 available foreign jobs and 2,500 from local companies, according to the Philippine News Agency.

Sixty-five companies, including five overseas recruitment firms, will interview pre-registered applicants and walk-in clients starting at 10 a.m.

Most overseas jobs are in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, making up 90 percent of the demand, and other Middle East countries.

Indon said skilled workers like carpenters, plumbers, and welders top the demand.

Nurses and domestic helpers are also needed but not as much unlike in previous years, she added.

During the pre-registration activity on April 24 to 27, the DOLE entertained 3,600 jobseekers who will be given priority numbers and whose trainings were already matched with the need of the employers.

Indon said the job-matching increases the chances of applicants of being hired.

During the fair, the DOLE will feature a livelihood display that offers legal and other assistance to jobseekers.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will also take part in the skills display and will also provide assistance.*NLG