Filing complaint vs registered recruitment agencies

Grounds for filing complaint (for violation of recruitment laws, rules and regulations) • overcharging of placement fee • pre-mature collection of placement fee • misrepresentation • withholding of travel documents • failure to deploy without valid reason • failure to reimburse documentation expenses when deployment did not take place without the worker’s fault • substitution and alteration of employment contract Where to get legal assistance Legal Assistance Division POEA or Philippine Overseas Employment Administration head office (EDSA corner Ortigas Ave., Mandaluyong City, Philippines) or any POEA Regional Office WHO MAY FILE Any person may file a complaint in writing and under oath for the suspension or cancellation of the license of any agency with the Administration. The Administration, on its own initiative or upon filing of a complaint or report for the investigation by any aggrieved person, shall conduct the necessary proceedings for the suspension, cancellation or revocation of the license of any agency. THE COMPLAINT 1. Caption and Title The complaint shall be filed in accordance with the following captions: A. For recruitment violation(s) and related cases filed with the Administration Republic of the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Adjudication Office Metro Manila In the matter of Violation of Recruitment Rules & Regulations/ Regulations Implementing the Labor Code, as amended, Circulars, Etc. - versus - POEA Case no. RRB (L) yr/mo/no. (M) _______________________, Respondent/s. B. For recruitment violation and related cases filed with the Regional Office Republic of the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Regional Office No ______________________ Province/District In the matter of Violation of Recruitment Rules & Regulations/Regulations Implementing the Labor Code, as amended, Circulars, Etc. - versus - POEA Case no. ADJ- (L) yr/mo/no. (M) _______________________, Respondent/s. 2. Contents of Complaint or Report All complaints/ reports shall be under oath and must contain, among others, the following: • The name/s and address/es of the complainant/s; • The name/s and address/es of the respondent/s; • The nature of the complaint; • The substance, cause/grounds of the complaint; • When and where the action complained of happened; • The amount of claim, if any; and • The relief/s sought. All pertinent papers, or documents in support of the complaint must be attached whenever possible. The complaint shall be under oath, and shall be administered by any officer authorized by law. Complaints duly received shall be docketed and numbered and shall be raffled off to Hearing Officers of the Administration. Sources: Rules and Regulations Governing Overseas Employment POEA Tips