Pinoys warned vs illegal recruiters in Vietnam

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine officials in Vietnam warned prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Tuesday against falling for the promises of illegal recruiters who offer jobs there. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippine Embassy received reports that an unscrupulous Filipino based in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) recruits workers from the Philippines. "However, upon arrival in HCMC, with no valid job contracts, work visa, and work permit the victims learn that there are no employers," the DFA said on its website (www.dfa.gov.ph). It said the illegal recruiter, who allegedly earns from the overpriced plane tickets paid by the victims, leaves the Filipinos to fend for themselves. The victims allegedly paid $100 as “service fee" and between P20,000 and P30,000 for air fare (equivalent to around $420-$630). "This is way above the air fare offered by Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines which range from US$200 to US$400," the DFA said. Because of this, the embassy urged Filipinos who wish to work in Vietnam to go through the proper channels such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA). "As in all other countries, proper documentation (i.e., valid contract, work visa, and work permit) is a must for foreign workers in Vietnam," it said. The global recession has affected the labor market in Vietnam and some 100 to 150 overseas Filipino workers were reported to have lost their jobs since late last year. Most Filipinos working in Vietnam occupy executive and managerial positions in professional fields such as in construction and engineering, accountancy, banking and investment, education, garment/textile industry, hotel and restaurant management, food and beverage industry, marketing, furniture industry, medicine, and foreign investment projects. These Filipinos are hired through professional channels, the DFA said. - GMANews.TV