The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued a strong warning to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to avoid falling victim to illegal “third country recruitment” schemes proliferating on social media.
This warning follows reports from the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, highlighting potential human trafficking incidents involving Filipino nationals in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa.
According to the embassy, a group of Filipinos was recently arrested in Abuja and Lagos for alleged cybercrimes, economic sabotage, and violations of Nigerian immigration laws.
These individuals were reportedly recruited while in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and entered Nigeria on tourist visas. They were falsely promised that their work permits would be processed upon arrival.
However, the Nigerian government does not allow the conversion of tourist visas for employment purposes.
The DMW emphasized that Filipinos seeking employment in Nigeria must first secure a Subject to Regularization (STR) visa through the Nigerian Embassy in the Philippines.
Without this visa, working in Nigeria is illegal and may result in arrest, deportation, or legal consequences.
“Recruitment through a third country is considered illegal recruitment if neither the recruiter nor the employer has proper authorization from the Philippine government,” the DMW stated.
To protect OFWs, the department reminded the public that all overseas employment documents must be processed through DMW-accredited recruitment agencies.
The feature ensures workers are covered by labor protections, emergency assistance, and other benefits.
The DMW has observed a growing number of job offers on social media platforms that target OFWs with promises of high-paying jobs abroad.
These schemes often lure workers into countries with lax enforcement of labor and immigration laws.
The department called on OFWs and aspiring migrant workers to exercise extreme caution when encountering dubious job postings online.
“Report any suspicious recruitment activities to the Migrant Workers Office and the Philippine Embassy that has jurisdiction over your jobsite,” the DMW urged.
Safeguarding OFWs from Trafficking
Illegal recruitment often leads to cases of human trafficking, where workers are exploited in dangerous or illegal jobs without labor protections.
By relying on accredited recruitment agencies, workers are assured of proper documentation and compliance with both Philippine and host country laws.
The department also highlighted the critical role of OFWs in promptly reporting suspicious activities, which helps authorities dismantle syndicates and protect vulnerable workers.
OFWs or their families can report suspected illegal recruitment and human trafficking activities to the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau. Reports can be submitted through the following channels:
- Facebook: DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment Task Force
- Email: mwpb@dmw.gov.ph
- Hotline: +63 2 8721-0619
The DMW has reiterated its commitment to protecting the welfare of OFWs, particularly in light of rising cases of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
