^

Headlines

Immigration says Malta still a hotspot for human trafficking

Philstar.com
Immigration says Malta still a hotspot for human trafficking
In this photo from the Bureau of Immigration Facebook page, an immigration officer inspects a traveler's passport.
Bureau of Immigration FB Page

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration said Sunday that Malta remains a top hotspot for human trafficking as the agency intercept two victims bound for the Mediterranean country.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement that the victims, on April 29, posed as friends traveling as tourists heading to Bangkok, but they later admitted that they will be flying to Malta to work.

The two initially declared leaving for a four-day vacation and presented proof of local employment in local dental clinics in the country.

"Both women later admitted during secondary inspection that their final destination is Malta and that their documents were only handed to them by an unknown person that same morning outside the airport," said Tansingso.

They also said that their recruiter instructed them to wait for the rest of their travel documents upon their arrival in Thailand.

But the bureau said the victims were unaware that their employment visas to Malta were already cancelled prior to departing.

Tansingco cautioned the public against dealing with recruiters. “"Several investigations have shown exploitation of domestic and foreign victims in the Mediterranean, and this has long been a cause of concern," the BI chief continued.

"The BI understands being enticed by greener pastures abroad, but by not going through the correct process, aspiring migrant workers risk getting abused overseas," he added.

BI said the victims were already turned over to the Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking for further investigation and filing of appropriate complaints against their recruiters.

BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Philstar
  • Latest
  • Trending
Latest
Latest
abtest
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with