No Placement Fee for Filipino Workers Bound for Qatar
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reinforced the “no placement fee policy” for Filipino workers bound for Qatar after reports of agencies demanding fees for deployment. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac clarified that fees charged by agencies for their services are illegal, emphasizing that the “employer-based principle” means employers should cover these costs. Agencies violating this policy risk losing their licenses.
Aligned with Article 33 of Qatar Law No. 14 of 2004, the policy prohibits recruitment agencies from collecting fees from workers. The DMW and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) warned against scammers demanding fees for expediting services, reiterating that OWWA charges only a $25 membership fee every two years. The policy takes effect 15 days after issuance.
DMW Shuts Down Foreign Language Training Center
The DMW closed a foreign language training center at a resort in Silang, Cavite, for alleged illegal recruitment. DMW Assistant Secretary Francis Ron de Guzman said Volant Academy for Language Excellence, Inc. was monitored on Facebook. The training center, that was offering jobs in Germany, was requiring applicants to pay P515,900 for an 8-month training program. Volant lacked the necessary licenses and operated under the guise of a tutorial service. The DMW is investigating licensed recruitment agencies linked to Volant and urges victims to come forward for legal assistance.
Illegal Recruitment Through Social Media
The DMW urged job seekers to be cautious when applying for jobs on social media due to illegal recruiters using these platforms. DMW Client Services Chief Edwin Cristobal highlighted the risks of applying online, where applicants can’t verify who they are dealing with. He warned against paying placement fees through online channels, advising that such demands often signal a scam. The DMW advises job seekers to check their official website for accredited agencies and to consider job fairs, which offer legitimate opportunities without placement fees.
