DMW warns vs illegal recruiters exploiting Middle East crisis

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Monday warned the public against illegal recruiters, traffickers, and syndicates offering job opportunities in the Middle East that may expose workers to undocumented, unsafe, or exploitative conditions abroad.

DMW issued the warning after it received reports of suspicious recruitment activities online, including fake job offers and deceptive schemes, targeting Filipinos who are seeking immediate overseas employment in the Middle East.

“All aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), returning OFWs, and their families are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and to deal only with duly licensed recruitment agencies with approved job orders verified through official DMW channels,” DMW said.

It also reminded the public that the Department of Foreign Affairs has raised crisis alert levels in several areas in the Middle East.

Iran and Israel remained at alert level 2, meaning Filipinos in the two countries are advised to shelter in place and avoid high-risk areas. Those planning to travel to the affected country are urged to exercise increased caution due to heightened security risks. The concerned post activates its contingency plan.

The alert levels for the following areas are as follows:

• Jordan - Level 1
• Iran - Level 2
• Israel - Level 2
• West Bank - Level 2
• Kurdistan - Level 2,
• Iraq - Level 3
• Lebanon - Level 3
• Gaza - Level 4
• Syria - Level 4
• Yemen - Level 4

The DMW urged the public to follow the following precautions:

• Verify whether the recruitment agency is duly licensed by the DMW
• Confirm that the job order is approved and valid
• Avoid transacting with persons operating only through Facebook, Tiktok, Telegram, WhatsApp, or other unofficial channels
• Never pay placement fees without a valid employment contract and official receipt
• Do not accept arrangements involving tourist visas for employment purposes
• Do not transact with travel agencies, fixers, or unauthorized representatives offering overseas jobs

It called on the public to immediately report suspicious individuals, agencies, online pages, or recruitment offers to the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau in Mandaluyong City.

The public may also reach out to DMW through their hotline no.(87210619) or email (airtipinfo@dmw.gov.ph). —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA News