Mandaluyong city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has warned the public against illegal recruiters, traffickers, and syndicates taking advantage of the ongoing instability in parts of the Middle East as it cited reports of fraudulent job offers circulating online.
According to Philippines News Agency, in Advisory No. 22, series of 2026, published on the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program social media page, the DMW reported receiving complaints about suspicious recruitment activities targeting Filipinos urgently seeking employment abroad, particularly in crisis-affected areas.
The advisory noted that 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 cautioned that illegal recruiters are exploiting conflict situations by offering attractive salaries and fast deployment promises, only to subject workers to undocumented, unsafe, or exploitative conditions once abroad. It emphasized the importance for aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), returning OFWs, and their families to exercise extreme caution and to deal only with duly licensed recruitment agencies with approved job orders verified through official DMW channels.
The public is also advised to avoid dealing with recruitment offers circulating on social media platforms and messaging apps, not to pay placement fees without proper contracts and official receipts, and to reject arrangements involving tourist visas for employment purposes. The DMW further reminded jobseekers not to engage with travel agencies, fixers, or unauthorized representatives offering overseas jobs to avoid being victimized.
Additionally, the DMW mentioned that the Department of Foreign Affairs continues to enforce varying crisis alert levels in several Middle East locations, including areas under voluntary repatriation or mandatory evacuation, heightening risks for irregularly deployed workers. Reports on suspicious recruitment activities may be submitted to the DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau at the DMW Building in Mandaluyong City, or by calling hotline number 8721-0619.
