The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday shut down a travel consultancy agency in Quezon City for alleged illegal recruitment activities.
DMW Secretary Susan Ople led the firm’s closure in Barangay Pasong Tamo after an investigation found it was reportedly recruiting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for Poland and Malta without proper licenses.
According to Ople, a certain “Denise” filed a complaint against the company, which prompted surveillance operations against the travel agency.
Investigation showed the firm requires jobseekers to submit their passport and biodata, and pay as much as P420,000 in processing fees. Applicants were told they need to pay a down payment of P60,000 upon submission of the requirements.
Once a work permit is issued, the applicant is required to pay an additional P100,000, while the balance should be paid in installments until the full amount is covered. Jobseekers were told to wait for six to seven months before they are deployed overseas.
Ople said illegal recruitment charges will be filed against the company owner and its employees.
The DMW will also recommend the cancellation of their business permit and registration.
Meanwhile, Ople reminded OFWs to apply only at legitimate recruitment agencies.
“To the public, please report to the DMW any travel or consultancy agency recruiting workers for abroad. These are clear violations of the anti-illegal recruitment law,” she said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News
