Pasig city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has simultaneously shut down eight branches of a visa consultancy firm nationwide, after it was found to be illegally recruiting Filipino workers, specifically teachers, for jobs in the United States.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a closure operation led by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac at the main office of Visa to America Manila Inc. in Ortigas, Pasig City, it was revealed that the firm offered job placements to the US under the H-1B and J-1 visa categories without a DMW license. These categories are legitimate temporary work and exchange visas in the US.
Cacdac explained that the firm's modus operandi involved presenting itself as providing visa assistance and travel consultancy services. However, in reality, they were matching clients with job offers abroad without the necessary DMW license. The firm charged an "assistance package" fee of USD8,500, which equates to approximately PHP300,000 to PHP500,000, primarily targeting teachers.
The DMW's Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) simultaneously padlocked the company's branches in Cebu City, Lucena City, Iloilo City, Santiago City, Quezon City, Davao City, and Zamboanga City. The crackdown followed a report from a victim who approached the DMW during its Independence Day job fair event, revealing the hefty fee demanded by the firm, which was essentially a placement fee.
Cacdac emphasized that while travel and visa consultancies can offer advice on obtaining visas, incorporating job offers with a substantial fee without a DMW license constitutes illegal activity. He announced plans to file criminal charges against the firm's owners, staff, and employees for large-scale illegal recruitment, a non-bailable offense.
He urged the public to be cautious and not fall victim to seemingly legitimate offers, advising job seekers to verify recruiters' licenses through the DMW website. Cacdac reiterated that recruitment is a privilege and not a right, governed by strict regulations in the country.
The operation brings the number of firms closed by the DMW this year to 28, surpassing the agency's annual record, signifying a robust stand against illegal recruitment activities.
