POEA Chief Issues Tips on How to Avoid Illegal Recruiters

Quezon City (PIA)–The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued tips on how to avoid illegal recruiters.

POEA chief Hans Leo Cacdac issued the reminder to warn those who are planning to work abroad to be wary of job offers posted online and scrupulous individuals who are constantly looking for victims.

Cacdac advised prospective overseas workers to apply only with licensed recruitment agencies to avoid illegal recruiters.

In his twitter account, @HansLeoCacdac, the POEA chief issued the following reminders for Filipino workers who want to work abroad:

Apply only with licensed recruitment agencies. Don’t apply with consultancy firms, training centers, travel agencies and foundations that promise jobs abroad.

Check with POEA whether the position you are applying for has an approved job order.

Transact only with authorized representative of a licensed agency.

Transact business only at the registered address of the agency.

Pay only the allowable placement fee. It should be equivalent to one month salary, except in cases where charging of placement fees is prohibited.

Pay the placement fee only after you have signed an employment contract. Demand an official receipt reflecting the actual amount paid and purpose for which payment was made.

Be wary of job offers through the Internet that require applicants to remit immediately payment for intended visa, air fare and processing costs.

Be wary of ads or brochures requiring you to reply and to enclose payment for application forms and processing of papers.

Make sure you have the appropriate work visa/permit. Be wary of job offers using tourist or visit visas.

Transact directly with government offices/personnel. Never deal with fixers.

(POEA/RJB/SDL/PIA-NCR)