The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has reiterated its warning to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to beware of illegal third-country recruitment schemes promoted by unscrupulous recruiters and syndicates on social media platforms.
The DMW issued the reminder following reports from the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, about possible human trafficking incidents involving Filipino nationals sent to Nigeria and other West African countries. According to the embassy, several Filipinos were arrested in Abuja and Lagos for alleged cybercrime, economic sabotage, and violations of Nigerian immigration laws.
These Filipinos reportedly traveled to Nigeria from Dubai, UAE, using tourist visas under the impression that their work permits would be processed upon arrival. However, Nigerian immigration laws do not allow tourist visas to be converted for employment purposes. To work legally in Nigeria, Filipinos must secure a Subject to Regularization (STR) visa from the Nigerian Embassy in the Philippines before departure.
The DMW emphasized that third-country recruitment is considered illegal if the recruiter or employer lacks authorization from the Philippine government. It urged Filipinos to process their overseas employment through DMW-accredited recruitment agencies to ensure their rights and protection.
The department called on OFWs and job seekers to exercise caution when encountering overseas job offers on social media and to report any suspicious recruitment activities to the nearest Migrant Workers Office or Philippine Embassy. Reports of illegal recruitment or human trafficking can also be submitted to the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau through their Facebook page, email (mwpb@dmw.gov.ph), or hotline (+63 2 8721-0619) for legal assistance.
