DOLE warns OFWs vs recruiters promising jobs in Macau

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday warned prospective overseas Filipino workers against illegal recruiters promising them jobs in Macau. DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said these recruiters offer non-existent jobs in hotels, casinos and restaurants. “Malamang na illegal recruiters sila (Offers of such jobs likely come from illegal recruiters)," Baldoz said in a news release. She urged prospective OFWs to instead report such job offers to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. Baldoz particularly advised Filipinos who might consider the job offers to check if these recruiters have the proper offices, licenses and permits. The advice came in the wake of a report from Labor Attache Liddy Tanedo in Macau, that some recruitment agencies based in Association of Southeast Asian Nations member countries offer jobs supposedly from casino and hotel owners. Baldoz ordered the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) to intensify its information campaign on how to avoid falling prey to illegal recruiters. Tips on avoiding illegal recruitment can be accessed online at http://www.poea.gov.ph/air/howtoavoid.htm. — LBG, GMA News