DMW warns Pinoys vs fake Middle East jobs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday warned the public against illegal recruiters taking advantage of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying traffickers and syndicates are using the unstable situation to prey on Filipinos looking for jobs.

“The DMW has been receiving reports regarding suspicious recruitment activities, including fake job offers and deceptive schemes proliferating online and on social media platforms targeting Filipinos who are seeking immediate overseas employment in the region,” the agency said in an advisory.

Aspiring overseas Filipino workers, returning OFWs and their families are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and to deal only with duly licensed recruitment agencies with approved job orders verified through official DMW channels, it added.

According to the DMW, illegal recruiters and traffickers often exploit situations of conflict, uncertainty and urgent deployment demand.

“They offer seemingly attractive job opportunities, high salaries and fast processing, only to subject workers to undocumented, unsafe or exploitative conditions abroad,” the DMW said, noting that the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to maintain crisis alert levels in several areas in the Middle East.

The DMW said some locations in the Middle East are under heightened restrictions, voluntary repatriation or mandatory evacuation phases.

“Avoid transacting with people operating only through Facebook, Tiktok, Telegram, WhatsApp or other unofficial channels,” it said, adding that unauthorized recruitment and irregular deployment only exposes Filipino workers to greater danger.

The DMW advised jobseekers against paying placement fees if they are not given a valid employment contract and official receipt, accept arrangements involving tourist visas for employment purposes, and transacting with travel agencies or fixers.