DMW closes Japanese language learning center over alleged illegal recruitment

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday ordered the closure of a Japanese learning center over its alleged involvement in the illegal recruitment of Filipino workers to Japan. 

In a news release, the DMW, through its Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), closed the head office of the learning center in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, and its branches in Manila; Rosario, Cavite; Davao City; and General Santos City for allegedly offering jobs abroad without a proper license. 

An initial investigation showed the training center offers a four-month language training for P33,710, which may be paid in installments. Applicants who will pass the JFT/JLPT N4 and PROMETRIC Specified Skilled Worker Tests (SSWP) will be referred to their partner-agencies illegally.

The applicant will enter the country through the Technical Internship Training Program (TITP), a temporary labor program allowing businesses in Japan to hire trainees for work and will later transition to the SSWP.

“The closure of this learning center is a product of our intensified campaign to combatting illegal recruitment as among the directives of the President. We reiterate this warning to our kababayans, especially those who aspire to work abroad— please, do not deal with recruiting entities that do not have license or authorization from the DMW to recruit and deploy workers for overseas jobs,” said DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac.

The management of the learning center will face illegal recruitment charges and all its officers will be included in DMW’s "List of Persons and Establishments with Derogatory Record."

They will also be permanently denied participation in the government’s overseas recruitment program.

Victims of the language training firm are urged to reach out to DMW-MWPB through its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip, or email mwpb@dmw.gov.ph. They may also contact the DMW-MWPB through its hotline number +63 2 8721-0619 for legal assistance.—Sundy Locus/AOL, GMA Integrated News