The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) urged Filipinos to stay cautious when offered jobs in visa-free countries, stressing that entry without a visa does not grant permission to work.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said criminal groups are exploiting visa-free policies in nations like Thailand and Malaysia to lure Filipinos into jobs that end up in forced or illegal work schemes in Myanmar, Cambodia, and other countries.
“This is the very important message: the visa-free status of ASEAN countries is only for tourists. It doesn’t mean that because it’s visa-free, you can already work,” Cacdac said in a radio interview.
Authorities have arrested more than 20 people in joint operations involving the DMW, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Philippine National Police, and other agencies. The arrests included four alleged illegal recruiters and a Taiwanese national apprehended in Palawan and at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Nearly 800 Filipinos have been brought home from Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos after falling victim to illegal work schemes, while more than 200 others are still being assisted for return. “Hindi tayo puwedeng magpakampante. Kailangan ng international cooperation para mapigil ang mga sindikato,” Cacdac added.
The DMW reiterated that visa-free entry is strictly for tourism and short-term visits. Using it to work is illegal and can lead to arrest, deportation, or even lifetime travel bans.
Reports of illegal recruitment may be directed to the DMW-OWWA Hotline 1348 or through email at info@dmw.gov.ph. The campaign is being carried out with support from the PAOCC, PNP, National Bureau of Investigation, and Department of Foreign Affairs, under the guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
