The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) warned the public against illegal recruitment scams that falsely promise overseas employment through missionary or tourist visa arrangements. 

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said that one individual has already been charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with such schemes. 

“Missionary daw, pero trabaho pala ang alok. Ang ending—TNT at walang legal na proteksyon,” said Cacdac in a statement. 

He cited cases where individuals left the country on tourist visas with the promise of employment, only to discover upon arrival that there was no legitimate job waiting for them.

Cacdac revealed that scam hubs are active across Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, with Thailand and Malaysia serving as common entry points. Victims are often given tourist visas instead of legal work permits.

Among the red flags include are leaving the country without a licensed recruiter; being offered a job but sent on a tourist visa; no valid work visa, only soft copies or verbal assurances; and no receipt or documentation from the recruiter. 

“Tandaan po natin—kung trabaho ang pakay, dapat may lisensyadong recruiter at work visa, hindi tourist visa. Hindi po online recruiter at hindi din ‘missionary’ kuno ang tamang daan para sa trabaho abroad,” he said.

He urged all Filipinos planning to work overseas to verify if a recruiter is licensed by the DMW, ensure there is an official office and issued receipts for any payment. 

Cacdac also said that they should avoid dealing with online-only or unlicensed agents and contact DMW hotlines for assistance or verification

For help or inquiries, Filipinos can call +632-1348 or reach out through the official DMW Facebook page. 

Secretary Cacdac concluded with a strong reminder: “Maging matalino. Huwag magpaloko. Ang batas ay malinaw at nandiyan para kayo ay protektahan.”