Following a recent spate of arrests regarding human trafficking and illegal recruitment, the Bureau of Immigration published a statement advising the public to avoid applying for supposed job opportunities posted on social media.
“We reiterate our warning to our kababayan that they should avoid transacting with strangers online offering high paying jobs in foreign lands without the benefit of protection from [the] government,” said Commissioner Jaime Morente. “You will only be putting yourselves in harm’s way.”
“Do not deal with unlicensed recruiters as they cannot guarantee your safety, good working conditions, and salaries according to industry standards,” the bureau chief added. “Chances are you will be intercepted at our ports if you avail the services of fraudsters and illegal recruiters.”
Earlier this month, four women were apprehended at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. They had been illegally recruited to work overseas and were preparing to board a flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
According to Port Operations Division chief Grifton Medina, “Once they reached Malaysia, they planned to proceed to Dubai where they were recruited to work as household workers and drivers.”
Authorities found the group was in possession of fraudulent documentation, which were provided by their recruiter.
In addition, prior to the incident, five other women were rescued and a courier was intercepted at Mactan-Cebu International Airport after the group was allegedly planning to work as undocumented laborers in Hong Kong and Macau./WDJ