THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday, June 2, 2023, ordered the closure of a travel consultancy agency based in Quezon City that is illegally offering jobs in Malta and Poland.
In a closure operation set by its Migrant Workers’ Protection Bureau (MWPB), DMW Secretary Susan Ople led the shutting down of the offices of OVM Visa Assistance and Travel Consultancy located in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City.
"The closure operation followed a complaint filed by job applicant 'Denise', who requested assistance from the DMW-MWPB," said Ople.
"The consultancy firm is not listed as a licensed recruitment agency. These are clear violations of the anti-illegal recruitment law," she added.
Based on the surveillance operations conducted by the DMW-MWPB, the OVM had been offering jobs as kitchen helpers, housekeepers, waiters, and waitresses in Malta and Poland.
DMW added that an employee of OVM supposedly told one of the latter's operatives that the company requires jobseekers to submit their passport and biodata, and pay as much as P420,000 in processing fees.
Applicants have also been told that they need to pay a downpayment of P60,000 upon submission of the requirements.
Once a work permit is issued, DMW said that the applicant is required to pay an additional P100,000, while the balance should be paid in installments until the full amount is covered.
Jobseekers are then told to wait six to seven months before they are deployed overseas.
Ople said charges of illegal recruitment are being readied against Vilma Rosario, who owns the travel agency, as well as her employees.
"I have also instructed (DMW) Undersecretary (Bernard) Olalia to request for an HDO (hold departure order) versus Vilma Rosario, et al.," she added.
Ople said the DMW is also recommending the cancellation of the agency’s business permit by the Quezon City local government and for the Department of Trade and Industry to cancel its Certificate of Business Name Registration. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)