The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) issued an updated public advisory regarding the rising cases of online recruitment schemes "cross-border" or "third country," targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The advisory was released after receiving reports from DMW about a possible case of trafficking in persons involving Filipinos who have been recruited and compelled to engage in illegal activities, such as working in online scams.
The report mentioned that several Filipinos who were recruited in Dubai were allegedly sent to work in Nigeria and other countries in West Africa for illegal activities. "The DMW reminds the public to be wise and not to be deceived by fake recruiters to avoid becoming victims of illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and online scams," stated DMW.
The scheme often includes hiring workers in one country (for example, the Philippines), then transferring them through another country, before ultimately arriving at their designated location, or a third country, for illegal work. These cases are often linked with false job offers, promising high-paying positions, but instead, they end up trapping workers in dangerous and illegal situations.
DMW urges all Filipinos, especially those seeking work abroad, to be cautious and ensure that they are dealing with legitimate recruiters. In case of encounters or suspicions of similar cases, DMW strongly recommends reporting such incidents promptly via email at [email protected] or through their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dmwairtip.
