The Department of Migrant Workers has warned Filipinos against illegal recruiters and traffickers taking advantage of the ongoing crisis in parts of the Middle East.
In Advisory No. 22, series of 2026, the agency said it has received reports of suspicious recruitment activities, including fake job offers and deceptive schemes circulating online targeting aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The DMW urged jobseekers, returning OFWs, and their families to exercise caution and transact only with licensed agencies and verified job orders through official government channels.
“Unauthorized recruitment and irregular deployment expose Filipino workers to even greater danger,” the agency said, noting that some areas in the Middle East remain under heightened alert levels.
Authorities warned that illegal recruiters often exploit urgent demand for jobs by offering attractive salaries and fast processing, only to place victims in undocumented, unsafe, or exploitative working conditions abroad.
The DMW also cautioned against transactions conducted solely through platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Telegram, and WhatsApp, saying these are commonly used in recruitment scams.
Applicants were advised to verify if agencies are licensed, ensure job orders are approved, and avoid paying placement fees without proper contracts and official receipts.
The agency further warned against using tourist visas for employment and dealing with fixers or unauthorized representatives offering overseas jobs.
The DMW called on the public to report suspicious recruiters and schemes to the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau or through official hotlines and email channels, as part of efforts to crack down on illegal recruitment and protect Filipino workers.
