SHUTDOWN. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Officer-In-Charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac shuts down on Friday (Nov. 24, 2023) the 11 Sea’s Immigration Services in Pasay City that offers jobs in Poland and in Canada and charges applicants with exorbitant fees. The DMW said the consultancy firm is neither licensed to recruit Filipino workers overseas nor does it have any approved job orders. (Photo courtesy of DMW)
MANILA – A consultancy firm in Pasay City was shut down by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday for the illegal recruitment of workers to Poland and Canada.
DMW Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac led the closure of 11 Sea’s Immigration Services inside Welcome Plaza Mall along Taft Avenue, with the assistance of the Pasay City police.
The DMW said the firm is not licensed to recruit and place Filipino workers overseas nor does it have approved job orders.
Cacdac warns the public not to deal with consultancy firms offering jobs abroad.
“I am reiterating this warning to our kababayans (countrymen), especially those who want to work overseas. Please, do not deal with consultancy firms that offer to get you jobs abroad. Always check the DMW website www.dmw.gov.ph for the list of licensed agencies and approved job orders,” he said in a news release.
The 11 Sea’s Immigration Services uses social media, particularly Facebook, to advertise their job offerings, and other services to entice those who are looking for overseas jobs.
The DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau revealed that said consultancy firm charges each applicant at least PHP280,000 "all-in payment" for the processing of employment documents, such as for trailer truck drivers and warehouse workers in Poland.
If applicants cannot afford the one-time payment, they will be asked for an initial PHP50,000 and referred to partner lending institutions which will offer loans so they can complete the required fee, according to the DMW.
The firm also has an accredited clinic for the medical examination requirements of all applicants.
The 11 Sea's Immigration Services allegedly also offers jobs to Canada, charging a processing fee of almost PHP500,000.
Cacdac said the owners and staff of the consultancy firm will be charged with illegal recruitment.
They will also be included in the DMW “List of Persons and Establishments with Derogatory Records” and will be banned from participating in any government overseas recruitment program.
The DMW encourages the victims of 11 Sea's Immigration Services to contact the MWPB through Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip, send an email to [email protected] or call hotline number +63 2 8721-0619 for legal assistance. (PNA)
