DMW shuts down illegal consultancy firm

Photo by ABC

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) closed an illegal consultancy firm on Monday that engaged in illegal recruitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Poland.

According to the agency, BELMÜN, which was located in Salcedo Village, Makati City, did not have a valid DMW license.

READ: 843 displaced Saudi OFWs, so far, receive unpaid wages – DMW

“This is a serious offense committed by BELMÜN. We, at the DMW, will intensify our campaign against these unlicensed firms engaging in the recruitment and deployment of Filipino workers abroad,” DMW Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia said.

The DMW said that the firm collected a P165,000 “all-in” payment which allegedly includes processing fees for work permits, visas, and referrals from its victims. Victims were also made to pay a P56,000 initial fee, while the processing period will last for a year.

The victim will also be the one to shoulder the transportation costs, the DMW said.

READ: DMW: Unpaid wages of displaced Saudi OFWs ‘forthcoming’

The agency added that its officers and personnel will face charges that are punishable by life imprisonment and fines from P2,000,000 to P5,000,000.

The firm will also be included in its “List of Persons and Establishments with Derogatory Record” and will not be allowed to participate in the government’s overseas recruitment program.

The DMW also urged other victims to contact the DMW for the filing of cases.