The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) warns the public to be cautious about online job offers that are bogus. Instead, our kababayans are reminded to transact with licensed recruitment agencies.
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In this advisory, posted on the department’s Facebook page, applicants are advised to verify the legitimacy of the agency through their official website. Another important reminder for OFWs is to be wary of agencies collecting payments since they are out to scam the applicants. Most importantly, the public is encouraged to report any cases of illegal recruitment.
Filipinos Need to Look Out for Scrupulous Agencies
According to the advisory posted on the Department of Migrant Worker’s website, Filipino jobseekers should be vigilant against illegal recruitment agencies. These organizations operate without the approval of the DMW, and yet they are able to convince applicants to come to them. The said agencies were able to fool jobseekers since they use authentic-looking names, logos and addresses that are similar to the legitimate agencies.
If you are wondering how you can spot the illegal recruiter, one of their modus is to collect payments or fees early in the application. Instead, the DMW urges the applicants to verify the legitimacy of the agency through the official website.
Another way to ensure that you are transacting with legitimate agencies is to proceed to their registered address and conduct your business there. And if they were to collect any fees from you, they should issue an official receipt where they also indicate what the payment is for and the amount that you paid.
The advisory ends with a call to Filipinos to report any cases of illegal recruitment. If you are aware of such incidents, you can email your report to mwpb@dmw.gov.ph. The Migrant Workers Protection Bureau will process these reports. Similarly, you can also go to the bureau’s Facebook page to send your report.
More Tips on How to Avoid Illegal Recruiters
Looking for jobs abroad can be challenging especially when applying at recruitment agencies. Year after year, we hear stories of our kababayans falling prey to illegal recruiters. Not only did they lose money, but they also wasted their time since they are not able to start working overseas.
Fortunately, there are several ways for you to avoid becoming victims to illegal recruiters. One of the steps you can do is to make sure that you transact your application in the agency’s office. Those who claim to be connected with a legitimate recruitment agency but would invite you somewhere else are most probably just pretending. Think about it, if they are employees of the agency, why would they need to meet you elsewhere?
You should also be wary when the agency promises that you will be hired even if you did not undergo any interview. This promise is incredulous because all employers would want to interview or assess any applicant before hiring them.
Similarly, you should also review any documents that the agency gives to you. Illegal recruiters would give fake documents, or they would provide you with paperwork from other agencies. Again, be sure to verify the agency name indicated in your document. Otherwise, you would get in trouble if you are found to be using fake credentials.
Finally, you should also review the visa that the agency gives to you. A legitimate recruitment agency will provide a work visa. Those who are operating illegally could either provide a tourist visa or none at all to the job seeker.
It Pays to be Vigilant
As you strive to fulfill your dreams of working abroad, you should also be vigilant against questionable recruitment agencies. Once you know how to identify legitimate agencies, you would have better chances of finding work overseas.
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