POEA reports 46 illegal recruitment Cordi cases

By Tanya A. Tabora

BAGUIO CITY -- More than 46 illegal recruitment cases were reported in the Cordillera since January to June this year.

Philippine Overseas Employment Agency records in the region showed illegal recruitment cases nearly doubled from 26 cases for the same period last year.

Regional POEA director Delfina Camarillo said this is being addressed through information and education campaigns to prospective migrant workers on tactics of illegal recruiters.

“Those who see ads placed through the internet for job openings abroad should be wary of direct hire strategies of illegal recruiters,” Camarillo added. “These internet-based direct employers are mostly swindlers out to get money from unsuspecting applicants who fall prey to their blind ads.”

Direct hires should reportedly be at no cost to the applicant because expenses like visa applications, placement fees and other expenses will always be shouldered by the employer.

Camarillo said those who solicit placement and other fees even if they are directly hiring and are not recruitment agencies should forewarn prospective overseas Filipino workers.

Prospective OFWs must always check with the POEA license of the agencies recruiting them for work by going to their agency’s website or contacting their office.

“It’s always a must-do that you check the POEA license of your agency as it is the number one reason why many people get cheated in their employment,” she said.

Workers are reportedly always asked to sign an employment contract. “Always remember that, before signing a contract, read and study first all the provisions. Do not sign the contract, nor pay any fee unless you have fully understood and agreed to the indicated terms and conditions,” she said.