THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) warned aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on Friday, February 18, 2022, against bogus job offers to Palau.
In its Advisory 11-2022, the POEA said the public should be vigilant against unscrupulous individuals and entities that have been promising fake employment opportunities to Palau.
"We have received reports that certain individuals and entities have been promising prospective OFWs employment in the Republic of Palau," said POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia.
"The POEA warns the public to exercise extreme caution in pursuing job applications for employment in Palau in order to avoid falling victim to illegal recruitment and human trafficking schemes," he added.
Under the said modus operandi, the agency said the alleged illegal recruiters convince OFWs to pay as much as US$1,000 for fraudulent provisional visas, work permits, and other fake documents.
However, as confirmed by the Philippine Honorary Consul in Palau, the supposed foreign employers/principals and corresponding job orders do not exist, Olalia said.
The POEA said it is now coordinating with the diplomatic corps and law enforcement agencies, while investigating the licensed recruitment agencies with alleged involvement in this matter.
"We encourage the public to immediately report any suspicious recruitment activities to the Operations and Surveillance Division via email at osd@poea.gov.ph," he said.
The labor official also reminded the public to transact only with licensed recruitment agencies and their duly acknowledged employees.
"Overseas jobseekers may confirm the existence and legitimacy of approved job orders per position, per agency, and per country through the POEA website at www.poea.gov.ph," said Olalia. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)