DMW Warns Aspiring Overseas Workers Against Illegal Recruitment
Region 1 job seekers urged to verify overseas offers through official channels.
AI Generated Illustration
The PIA reports that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Ilocos Region has cautioned aspiring overseas workers against suspicious job offers promising immediate employment abroad during the observance of National Anti-Trafficking in Persons Awareness Month.
The advisory directly targets job seekers across La Union and neighboring provinces in Region 1, urging the public to avoid social media recruitment schemes and verify all opportunities through official government portals.
Speaking during a forum, DMW Ilocos Region Director Christian Ray O. Sison warned against trusting unverified recruitment posts on platforms like Facebook.
“Let us be wise and not be fooled. There are no shortcuts to employment. Don’t take shortcuts, and don’t easily believe Facebook pages or job offers that seem too good to be true. [If] it’s not from the DMW, think carefully before believing it,” Sison said.
Dir. Sison noted that spending a few minutes verifying recruitment agencies and official job orders with the DMW can protect applicants from losing money or falling victim to illegal recruitment syndicates.
Lawyer Angelique P. Ugay, Attorney III of DMW Ilocos Region, outlined key warning signs of illegal recruitment for local job seekers to monitor:
- Recruiters demanding immediate placement fees prior to processing.
- Offers featuring unusually high salaries for simple job roles.
- Recruitment transactions conducted outside licensed agency offices.
- Employment contracts lacking official DMW authentication.
To protect young job seekers, Atty. Ugay says the DMW is taking its Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons campaign to educational institutions and LGUs including La Union, specifically focusing on graduating students considering work abroad.
Director Sison said that the DMW works alongside law enforcement agencies, municipal officials, and community media to provide legal assistance, psychological support, and job transition services for victims. Prospective overseas workers can check official records through the DMW regional office, satellite centers, or official online channels before accepting any employment offer.
SOURCE: PIA
