The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has sounded the alarm over rising cases of illegal recruitment schemes that trick Filipinos into working abroad using tourist or missionary visas.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac revealed that at least one person has already been charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) for involvement in such deceptive practices.
“Missionary daw, pero trabaho pala ang alok. Ang ending—TNT at walang legal na proteksyon,” Cacdac stressed in an ABS-CBN News report, warning against the risks of falling into these traps, which often leave victims stranded and unprotected in foreign countries.
According to the DMW, some scam networks operate in parts of Southeast Asia—including Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar—while using countries like Thailand and Malaysia as transit points. Victims are often promised jobs but are sent out of the country on tourist visas, not legitimate work permits.
Cacdac listed several red flags: dealing with recruiters without a license, accepting verbal job offers without contracts or receipts, and receiving only soft copies of supposed work visas. He emphasized that no legitimate overseas job should begin with a tourist visa.
He advised aspiring overseas workers to check if their recruiter is licensed with the DMW, verify the legitimacy of job offers, and demand official receipts for any transactions. The public is also encouraged to report suspicious recruitment offers or seek guidance by calling +632-1348 or messaging the official DMW Facebook page.
“Maging matalino. Huwag magpaloko. Ang batas ay malinaw at nandiyan para kayo ay protektahan,” he added, urging vigilance to avoid exploitation abroad.
