Illegal recruiters increasing: POEA

THE Philippine Overseas and Employment Administration (POEA) in Davao said Monday that the number of illegal recruitment agencies is increasing.

But Carol Agmadag, PEOA chief, said the increase in reported illegal recruiters can be attributed to the heightened awareness of job seekers against illegal recruiters.

From January to April this year, she said, they have monitored 32 illegal recruitment agencies as against 27 for the same period in 2010.

"There are some despite the knowledge, nagpapatuloy pa talaga, gusto din talaga nilang maka pag-abroad (Some people despite knowing the recruitment agency is illegal persist in their desire to work abroad)," Agdamag said.

Agdamag said majority of those jobseekers victimized by the 32 agencies showed intention to sue.

There are more than 60 legitimate recruitment agencies in Davao Region, she said. There can be more illegal agencies although they have only monitored 32.

Agdamag defined illegal recruiters as a firm offering employment either here or abroad without proper license and documents.

She said illegal recruitment is different from human trafficking as the latter employs coercion or force on its victims.

Filipinos are vulnerable to both because of the tendency to leave everything to fate (Bahala na).

Of equal concern are notices for jobs abroad that are sent through email as most of these are bogus or just out to scalp money from the victims.

Agdamag said this is more risky since they cannot monitor these.

First sign to watch out for is when the recruiter asks for money. Once payment or some other form of money transfer is asked, it is best to check with the POEA.