Illegal recruitment is a problem in the Philippines. There are many ways that people can be scammed when they are looking for work abroad. That’s why it is important that you become alert when it comes to applying for jobs, whether online, through job agencies, or through referrals.
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What can be done to address this problem? One solution is to increase awareness about illegal recruitment. People need to know what to look for, so they can avoid being scammed by these criminals. They also need to know their rights, and what steps they can take if they have been victimized by an illegal recruiter.
As a Filipino planning to work overseas, it’s good to know the warning signs of Illegal Recruitment so you won’t be a victim. After all, your hard-earned money and your dreams are at stake.
What is Illegal Recruitment?
The term “illegal recruitment” refers to any effort to gather workers, including but not limited to canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing, hiring, or procuring people. It also includes referring others for contract services or offering prospective employment in another country on a commercial basis whether for profit or not (RA8042).
Warnings Signs to Detect Illegal Recruitment
Here are 4 major signs that can help you detect illegal recruitment:
1. The recruiter is not licensed.
In the Philippines, only licensed recruiters are allowed to collect fees for placement services. You can check with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) – formerly known as Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) – if the agency is licensed or not.
2. The job offer seems too good to be true.
Be wary of job offers that require no experience or educational qualifications, or offers that promise a high salary but with very little work required. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
3. The recruiter asks for money up front.
Licensed recruiters are not allowed to collect placement fees from job seekers. If you’re being asked to pay anything, walk away.
4. The recruiter cannot provide basic information about the job.
When you’re talking to a recruiter, they should be able to give you specific details about the job like the nature of work, salary, and benefits. If they can’t or if they avoid your questions, that’s a red flag.
5. Check if the job offer is legitimate.
Be sure to research about the company first, or if you’re applying online, check for reviews about the company. If possible, get in touch with someone who has already worked with them.
6. You are given a job without having to go through an interview or other selection process.
In most cases, you will at least have to go through a phone interview before being offered a job. If you’re being asked to sign a contract without so much as an interview, that’s a red flag.
7. The recruiter is not forthcoming with information.
When you’re talking to a recruiter, they should be able to answer all your questions about the job and the recruitment process. If they’re being evasive or if they’re not giving you straight answers, that’s another red flag.
Keep these warning signs in mind so you won’t become a victim of illegal recruitment. If you know someone who is planning to work abroad, share this with them too!
Do’s and Dont’s to Avoid Illegal Jobs
The Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) has posted a helpful do’s and dont’s list for Filipino workers seeking employment opportunities abroad.
DO’s:
1. Check if the job order is legitimate by looking for the employer’s name, address and contact details in the POEA website or with the recruitment agency.
2. Insist on a signed contract with your employer before leaving the Philippines. The contract should include, among other things, your specific duties and responsibilities, work schedule, compensation and benefits package, and terms of employment.
3. Make sure that you have all the required documents (passport, visa, work permit) before leaving the Philippines. Do not leave without first securing these documents as they will be needed when you apply for a job abroad.
4. Keep in touch with your family and friends back home. Let them know your whereabouts and how to contact you in case of an emergency.
5. Register with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate upon arrival in your host country. This will allow the embassy to assist you in case of an emergency.
6. Cooperate with authorized government agencies, such as the police, in investigating illegal recruitment cases. Your cooperation may help bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent others from becoming victims of this crime.
7. Seek help from the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate if you are a victim of illegal recruitment or if you are facing problems at work. The embassy or consulate can provide you with legal assistance and other forms of support.
DON’Ts:
1. Do not deal with fixers or illegal recruiters. Dealing with these individuals increases your risk of becoming a victim of illegal recruitment.
2. Do not believe promises of easy money or fast processing of documents. These are often used by illegal recruiters to entice job seekers into becoming victims of human trafficking or other forms of exploitation.
3. Do not sign any blank or incomplete document. Make sure that all the information in the contract is correct and complete before signing it.
4. Do not leave the Philippines without first securing an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) from the POEA, unless you are exempted from this requirement. The OEC is required for all Filipino workers who are leaving the country for employment purposes.
5. Do not forget to register with the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate upon arrival in your host country.
6. Do not give in to demands for payment, such as placement fees, from illegal recruiters or employers. You should only pay the required fees to licensed recruitment agencies and employers, and only after you have been offered a job.
7. Do not engage in illegal or undocumented activities, such as working without a valid work permit. These activities put you at risk of being detained or deported by authorities, and make it more difficult for the embassy or consulate to assist you.
What to Do If You Encounter Illegal Recruitment?
If you encounter illegal recruitment, the best thing to do is to report it to the authorities.
If you are already abroad, you should report the incident to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. The embassy or consulate can provide you with legal assistance and other forms of support.
What Are The Penalties for Illegal Recruitment?
Illegal recruitment is a criminal offense in the Philippines. Under the Philippine Labor Code, illegal recruitment is punishable by imprisonment .
Common Forms of Illegal Recruitment
Illegal recruitment takes many forms, but there are some common methods that illegal recruiters use to victimize job seekers.
Some of the most common forms of illegal recruitment include:
1. Charging excessive fees – Illegal recruitment often involves charging job seekers exorbitant fees for services that should be free of charge. Examples of these fees include application fees, placement fees, and training fees.
2. Promising jobs that do not exist – Another common form of illegal recruitment is promising job seekers jobs that do not actually exist. Job seekers may be promised high-paying jobs in another country, only to find out that the job offer was a scam.
3. Forcing workers to work under conditions of exploitation – Some illegal recruiters may force workers to accept jobs under conditions of exploitation, such as working long hours for little pay, or being confined to a work site.
4. Luring workers away from their current jobs – Illegal recruiters may also try to lure workers away from their current jobs by promising them better working conditions elsewhere. This is often done in order to exploit the workers or to traffic them into forced labor or other forms of exploitation.
5. Using false or misleading information – Illegal recruiters may also use false or misleading information to convince job seekers to sign contracts or agree to terms and conditions that are not in their best interests. For example, a job seeker may be promised a certain salary, only to find out later that the salary is much lower than what was promised.
These are just some of the common forms of illegal recruitment. If you think you have been a victim of illegal recruitment, or if you know someone who has, it is important to report it to the authorities.
Video: Tips to Stop Becoming a Victim of Fake Jobs
Check out this video clip below that discusses some tips and warnings about identifying illegal recruiters and fake jobs. Please be careful everyone!
Summary
So as a summary when it comes to illegal job agencies, here are some of the things you need to watch out for:
- You are asked to pay a large amount of money for a job application or placement fee.
- The recruitment process is done in a hurry.
- You are promised a job without having to go through an interview or other selection process.
- The job offer seems too good to be true.
- You are asked to provide personal information like your bank account number or passport without knowing what the job is.
If you encounter any of these red flags, be alert and do not proceed with the transaction. Verify first with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) if the person or agency is licensed to recruit Filipino workers for overseas jobs. You can also report illegal recruiters to the POEA.
Illegal recruitment is a criminal offense in the Philippines. If you are a victim of illegal recruitment, or if you know someone who is, it is important to report it to the authorities. When you are already overseas, the best thing to do is to report it to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate. The embassy or consulate can provide you with legal assistance and other forms of support. Stay vigilant everyone!