The Bureau of Immigration (BI) thwarted an illegal recruitment attempt on Monday involving three individuals bound for Bulgaria, posing as colleagues on an incentive trip to Vietnam.
The victims, aged 25, 27, and 42, were intercepted at NAIA Terminal 3 after admitting to immigration officers that they intended to work in Bulgaria without proper documentation. A suspected trafficker, who claimed to be their employer, had assured them that the trip would be free of charge.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado warned that promises of “no upfront fees” often lead to victims being trapped in debt bondage. “This scheme often involves withholding passports and salaries under the guise of salary deduction, effectively enslaving the victims,” he said.
The three individuals were referred to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) for assistance. Meanwhile, the trafficker may face charges under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) recently cautioned the public about “third-country recruitment” schemes, where workers are initially sent to one country before being trafficked to their actual destination. Such methods continue to target unsuspecting overseas Filipino workers.
