Jobseekers advised to get foreign jobs legally
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) urges prospective overseas Filipino workers to take the legal route when seeking employment abroad, emphasizing the risks and dangers associated with illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of following the proper channels through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Taking shortcuts may lead to severe consequences, jeopardizing the safety and well-being of our fellow Filipinos,” Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco stressed.
Tansingco cited the cases of two Filipinas, who were recently repatriated after being trafficked in Malaysia.
Their names have been withheld in compliance with anti-trafficking laws.
A 29-year-old female victim arrived last June 21 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.
She said she met her recruiter on Facebook and was enticed to work as a waitress in Malaysia, with no fixed salary agreed upon.
She said she did not pay anything prior to her departure from the Philippines and was made to pose as a domestic employee of her traveling companion and courier.
When she reached Malaysia, she was forced to be a sex worker, allegedly to pay for the expenses incurred for her departure amounting to P150,000.
Another 21-year-old victim arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 from Malaysia last June 26.
She was promised work as a waitress with a salary of P40,000 a month.
Records showed that her departure was deferred late last year her by the BI’s travel control and enforcement unit in her first attempt to travel to Malaysia.
She said she had to travel to Malaysia via boat and did not pass through any formal ports of exit to evade immigration inspection.
She recounted how she was made to take drugs and drink alcohol and was forced to perform sexual acts to customers.
Her mobile phone was also confiscated so she could not seek help from Philippine authorities.
She was later rescued and she told authorities a number of victims remain in Malaysia.
“These predators will only entice you with promises of greener pastures. Do not be the next victim,” Tansingco warned.
The victims were assisted by members of the Department of Justice Inter Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) upon arrival.
