POEA warns OFWs on illegal third-country recruitment scheme to Poland

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration issued an advisory that warns OFWs, especially those currently working in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Middle East that third country recruitment or any job offer to Poland or other countries by immigration and visa consultancy firms is illegal.

POEA Advisory no. 16, series of 2022 – Reiteration of Warning on Third-Country Recruitment Scheme for Deployment of Filipino Workers to Poland states that: The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration received reports from posts regarding the proliferation of third-country recruitment schemes which promise employment in Poland, particularly targeting OFWs currently employed in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the Middle East.

Under this scheme, recruiters from immigration and visa consultancy firms lure already employed OFWs with alleged job vacancies in Poland, and charge them with exorbitant fees for the supposed processing of their visas, documents„ and requirements. In the process, OFWs leave their current employers and break their contracts, only to find out upon reaching Poland that the supposed job vacancies do not exist.

The public is reminded that immigration and visa consultancy firms, whether in the Philippines or overseas, are not authorized to recruit Filipinos for employment abroad.

The POEA strongly encourages all Filipino workers to deal only with licensed Philippine recruitment agencies which have valid POEA-approved job orders for Poland. This is to ensure that OFWs are properly documented, and their rights and welfare are protected by the Philippine and Polish governments.

Overseas job seekers are advised to use the POEA Verification System at the POEA website.