DMW-ADVISORY-22-2026 — WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL RECRUITERS EXPLOITING THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS

Republic of the Philippines Henartment at Aiarant Morkers Blas F. Ople Building, Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City 1550 NC Website:www.dmw.gov.ph| Emait [email protected] Hotline:87221152,8722 155,8822 1159,8724 3665 BACONG PILIPINAS

ADVISORY NO. 2 2

Series of 2026

WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL RECRUITERS EXPLOITING THE MIDDLE EAST CRISIS

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) warns the public against illegal recruiters, traffickers and syndicates taking advantage of the ongoing crisis and instability in parts of the Middle East. The DMW has been receiving reports regarding suspicious

and on social media platforms targeting Filipinos who are seeking immediate overseas recruitment activities, including fake job offers and deceptive schemes proliferating online

employment in the region.

In view of these developments, all aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), returning OFWs, and their families are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and to deal only with duly licensed recruitment agencies with approved job orders verified through official DMW channels. The DMW warns that illegal recruiters and traffickers often exploit situations of conflict, uncertainty, and urgent deployment demand by offering seemingly attractive job opportunities, high salaries, and fast processing, only to subject workers to undocumented, unsafe, or exploitative conditions abroad.

The public is likewise reminded that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) continues to maintain crisis alert levels in several areas in the Middle East, with some locations under heightened restrictions, voluntary repatriation, or mandatory evacuation phases. In such circumstances, unauthorized recruitment and irregular deployment expose Filipino workers to even greater danger.

Accordingly, the DMW urges the public to observe the following precautions:

a verify whether the recruitment agency is duly licensed by the DMW:

b confirm that the job order is approved and valid;

C. avoid transacting with persons operating only through Facebook, Tiktok, Telegram, WhatsApp, or other unofficial channels;

D never pay placement fees without a valid employment contract and official

receipt;

and e. do not accept arrangements involving tourist visas for employment purposes;

f. do not transact with travel agencies, fixers, or unauthorized representatives

offering overseas jobs.

DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS General Services Divisior Administrative Service

RECEIVED BY:JERROME KXIV A.MEDRANO CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED Date: April 30, 2026 Time: 02:46 P.M By: DMW General Services Division on _April 30, 2026

agencies, online pages or recruitment offers to the DMW's Migrant Workers Protection Bureau The DMW further calls on the public to immediately report suspicious individuals.

at 4th Floor, DMW Building, Ortigas Avenue cor. EDSA, Mandaluyong City or call hotline no. 87210619 or email: [email protected].

Office of the Secretary FELICITAS Q. BY Officer-in-Charge

CONTROLLED AND DISSEMINATED By: DMW General Services Division on April 30, 2026