DMW shuts down firm for illegal recruitment

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople on Friday ordered the closure of a travel consultancy agency for allegedly illegally recruiting applicants for jobs in Malta and Poland.

Ople personally led a team from the DMW in shutting down the office of OVM Visa Assistance and Travel Consultancy located in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City

The consultancy firm is not listed as a licensed recruitment agency, Ople said.

The closure operation was made following a complaint filed by job applicant “Denise,” who requested assistance from the DMW’s Migrant Workers’ Protection Bureau (MWPB).

Surveillance operations conducted by the MWPB showed that OVM offered job for kitchen helpers, housekeepers, waiters and waitresses in Malta and Poland.

An employee of OVM told a DMW operative that the company requires jobseekers to submit their passport and biodata, and pay as much as P420,000 in processing fees.

Applicants were told they need to pay a downpayment of P60,000 upon submission of the requirements.

Once a work permit is issued, the applicant is required to pay an additional P100,000 while the balance should be paid in installments until the full amount is covered. Jobseekers were told to wait for up to seven months before they are deployed overseas.

The DMW said charges of illegal recruitment are being readied against Vilma Rosario, the owner of the travel agency, and those under her employ.

The DMW recommended the cancellation of the agency’s business permit by the Quezon City government and asked the Department of Trade and Industry to cancel its certificate of business registration.