MWO cautions OFWs in Dubai not to fall victim to repat scammers

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Labor Attaché John Rio Bautista has warned Filipino workers here who want to be repatriated not to fall victim to scammers promising a seat on the airplane for a fee.

Bautista said they learned of the scam activity from “reports of other individuals” wanting to verify with the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai.

The modus operandi of the scammers is such that an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) wanting to go home receives a message from his or her phone asking for a fee to have one of the few remaining seats on the plane saved.

“The Migrant Workers Office (MWO) - Dubai and Northern Emirates warns all OFWs to remain vigilant against scam and fraudulent schemes related to the Department of Migrant Workers' (DMW) Repatriation Assistance Program,” read Bautista’s advisory issued Thursday.

He said his office “(has) received reports of individuals and groups falsely offering assistance for OFW repatriation in exchange for fees or personal information.” 

“Please be advised that legitimate repatriation assistance from the DMW and MWO is processed only through official channels.”

The advisory urged OFWs to avoid transacting with unauthorized individuals, agents, or social media accounts claiming to facilitate repatriation services.

It likewise asked OFWs to refrain from sharing personal information or sending money to unverified sources.

“At present, repatriation requests from OFWs may be applied for directly through MWO-Dubai via our official hotlines and email addresses. The requirements for repatriation…is available on the MWO website and official Facebook page.

“We urge everyone to carefully review the official guidelines and to communicate only through our official channels for any assistance or inquiries. Stay alert and help us combat scams by reporting suspicious activities to MWO-Dubai immediately,” the advisory further stated.

The Philippine government’s repatriation program, which started on March 5 and has so far flown 2,099 Filipinos – overseas workers and their dependents as well as stranded tourists – home, is free.

The MWO’s website is mwodubai.org, Facebook page is www.facebook.com/MWODubaiOfficia/. Hotlines and emails are 056-353-5558; 054-223-0822; 056-153-3057 and atn.mwodubai@dmw.gov.ph as well as repat.mwodubai@gmail.com. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News