Filipinos told to stay clear of illegal hirers
Published on: Friday, June 24, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya reminded his countrymen to be vigilant against illegal recruiters.He said Filipinos in Malaysia should refrain from entertaining the services of unlicensed recruitment agencies and individuals dubiously offering emloyment opportunties to work in Malaysia.Such precautionary measure is vital for Filipinos to ensure they do not easily fall victims to human trafficking.ADVERTISEMENT His advice comes in the wake of the rescue 29 Filipinas believed to be victims of human trafficking in Bintulu, Sarawak, early this month.The rescue operation conducted by the Embassy's Police Attache Pablo Labra ll, Assistant To National (ATN) officer Ariel Espartu and personnel from the Bintulu police resulted in the arrest of three Filipinos believed to be the agents/caretaker of the victims.The victims were rescued during a coordinated surprise police raid conducted at the premises of Republic Pub and Kiss Kiss Discovery Pub, all in Bintulu June 9.Malaya said the victims will be transferred to the Women's Shelter Home in Kota Kinabalu once the court approves its application for temporary protection.ADVERTISEMENT "We thank the Bintulu branch of the Royal Malaysian Police for their swift action to provide assistance and rescue the victims," the Ambassador added Malaya reiterated that it is important for Filipinos to be on alert. Filipinos seeking for employment should avoid patronising employment services posted in the internet or online.
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They should, the Ambassador said, verify the job offer and the agency offering the said job with the POEA in Manila or the Embassy's Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) before making travel plans. "Proper employment visas from by the Malaysian Embassy in Manila and work permits approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) in Manila are needed by any Filipino entering Malaysia for work," Malaya said.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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"We have received reports of individuals and agencies who are allegedly offered work in Malaysia by first entering as a tourist and then promising to convert them to employment visas in exchange for money, as is the case of some of the women rescued. Under Malaysian immigration law, social visit passes (tourist visas) cannot be converted to work visas," he added.