POEA: Beware of illegal recruiters for Australia

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration has warned Filipino applicants against illegal recruiters offering jobs in Australia. In an advisory posted on its Web site, the POEA told applicants to be wary of recruiters who were offering jobs as farm and domestic workers in that country in the southern hemisphere. “While there are many opportunities for skilled and professional workers in that country, many unscrupulous recruiters offer domestic and farm jobs which are non-existent," the POEA said. Last June 18, the Philippine Consulate in Sydney announced that Australia needed more Filipino workers. "An apparent skills shortage is driving Australian companies to hire skilled workers from other countries, and the Philippines is seen as a source country for needed workers," a consulate report said. But the consulate also warned Filipino job seekers against illegal recruiters, after it had received reports that some individuals had started posing as recruiters when Australia announced last January that it had 120,000 job openings for foreigners. "Filipinos being recruited for Australia must be aware of the type of visa that their recruiter is applying for them. The type of visa commonly issued to Filipinos hired for work in Australia is the 457 Visa," the consulate said. Australian companies that want to recruit skilled workers should get permission from the Australian government, according to the consulate. It said the government issued to these companies "temporary business long stay visa," which is also known as the Standard Business Sponsorship Subclass 457 visa provided to foreigners who are employed by Australian firms. These authorized companies can either directly hire Filipino workers or recruit them through manpower agencies accredited by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. “A Filipino who is recruited for Australian employment is matched to an Australian company that has been issued a 457 Visa. The Filipino worker receives the 457 Visa through the Australian Embassy in Manila," the consulate said. The 457 visa allows a foreign worker temporary stay in Australia from six months to four years. This visa does not give permanent, residency, or migration status to a foreign worker. “Illegally-hired foreign workers in Australia are exposed to abuses, hazards, and risks. If they are caught, they are deported and blacklisted from future re-entry into Australia," consulate said. Meanwhile, a 456 visa allows entry for business meetings, conferences, or training-related visits for up to three months. Short-term work of up to six weeks is only permitted in limited circumstances. The consulate also warned Filipino applicants against recruiters offering long-term work, but only secures tourist visa for a worker, which is an indication that the work arrangement is not legitimate. “Illegal recruiters often apply a victim for a tourist or short stay business visa, and instruct the latter to change his visa status to 3 long stay or even a permanent residency in Australia, However, such status changes are not usually allowed," it said. Recruiters violate Australian laws if they make the applicant shoulder administrative fees, including travel expenses to Australia, according to the consulate. “Any Filipino, who was recruited to work in Australia under a 457 Business Visa program and was compelled to pay processing fees or air travel to Australia by their recruiter or employer, may lodge a complaint with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) through its email address: nsw.457Jntegrity@fmmi.gov.au," the consulate said. For now, Australia does not allow the recruitment of domestic maids and farm workers from overseas. “Any manpower agency that claims to be recruiting maids and farm workers for Australia is deceiving applicants," the consulate said. - Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV