THE Provincial Government of Pampanga over has warned aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against illegal recruiters promising employment and easy travel abroad.
The warning came as more than 10 OFWs and their relatives went to the Capitol recently to report cases of illegal recruitment. The relatives also reported abuse and unfair labor practices subjected on their relatives by their employers.
Provincial Public Employment and Services Office head Luningning Vergara said illegal recruiters usually promise an easy travel package without clear cut agreements and protection on the part of the OFW.
“The process of working abroad is not an easy process. There are lots of paperwork,” Vergara said.
The Provincial Government also warned against recruitment through Facebook or agents who visit barangays promising easy employment abroad.
She said OFWs or those wishing to work abroad should check the necessary documents of the recruitment agencies to avoid getting into trouble.
Illegal recruitment is ordinarily committed by a non-licensee who engages in any recruitment undertaking in exchange for something.
Governor Lilia Pineda said they will strengthen the drive versus illegal recruitment up to the grassroots level. She noted that illegal recruitment, most of the time, is associated with sexual exploitation, child abuse and forced labor.
As for the OFWs who visited the Capitol recently, Pineda said that she will look into their concerns and extend whatever assistance the Capitol could afford.
The Province has its own Pampanga Action Center for Overseas Filipino Workers Concerns to assess the needs of the OFW and extend assistance to those in crisis abroad.
But despite several warnings against illegal recruiters, there has been a considerable number of Kapampangans falling victims to such illegal activities due to lack of better opportunities in the country.