OFW Fight: Abuse & Scam Stop

Eleven Filipino cleaners at the Saints & Stars gym in Amsterdam have filed complaints, together with Indonesian co-workers, before the Netherlands Labor Authority. They alleged being subjected to harsh working conditions—working up to 17 hours a day, sleeping at the workplace with no beds or heating, between May and June?2025.
They’re receiving assistance and legal support: The Philippine Embassy in The Hague is closely coordinating with the victims, providing temporary shelter since July; workers are also being supported by pro bono Dutch lawyers in pursuing both their labor complaint and potential criminal charges against gym management
An arrest has already been made and accreditation issues surfaced: On July?24, Dutch authorities arrested the gym’s accountant for suspected document forgery. Also, Saints & Stars isn’t accredited by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Manila or the Migrant Workers Office in Berlin

DMW shuts down fraudulent recruitment operation: On August 8, 2025, the DMW, led by Regional Director Rogelio T. Benitez, raided and padlocked a branch of Visa to America Manila Incorporated in Santiago City. The company was accused of exploiting Filipino teachers seeking U.S. employment by charging for fake visa services and conducting misleading job interviews.
Nationwide crackdown continues: This operation is part of a broader national effort that has led to the closure of eight Visa to America branches across the country. The DMW has conducted 27 successful enforcement actions this year to dismantle illegal recruitment networks.
Legal actions and support for victims: Individuals involved in the fraudulent activities now face legal charges and are permanently banned from participating in overseas recruitment. The DMW's Migrant Workers Protection Bureau is offering

New MWO in Abuja: The DMW plans to open a Migrant Workers Office in Abuja, Nigeria, to serve approximately 7,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in West Africa—primarily clerks, managers, and machine operators—and strengthen its regional presence.
Enhanced Assistance via AKSYON Fund: The office aims to streamline delivery of legal, medical, financial, and humanitarian aid through the AKSYON Fund, and will also provide special support to seafarers affected by piracy and undocumented OFWs subject to third?country hiring.
Expanded Oversight Beyond Morocco: Currently, DMW’s African coverage is managed via its Rabat, Morocco office. Setting up the Abuja MWO will mark an expansion of services into West Africa, reinforcing safe and ethical recruitment and bolstering OFW protection.

Agreement Details: On July 17, 2025, DMW Undersecretary Felicitas Bay and Croatian Employment Service Director General Ante Loncar signed the Implementing Guidelines for a pilot project facilitating the recruitment and employment of Filipino hotel workers in Croatia.
Recruitment Process: Under this arrangement, Croatian employers will cover recruitment-related costs for Filipino workers, adhering to mutually agreed-upon permissible fees.
Preparation and Protection: The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will conduct pre-departure orientation seminars, and the DMW’s Pre-Employment and Government Placement Bureau will facilitate pre-flight briefings to ensure a safe and ethical deployment process.

DMW-NRCO and TESDA Partnership: The Department of Migrant Workers and TESDA held a meeting to enhance reintegration programs for OFWs through targeted skills development and certification.
Focus Areas: Discussions included TESDA training for returning OFWs, promotion of the TESDA Online Program, language training for outbound workers, and skills certification based on overseas work experience.
Goal: The collaboration aims to equip OFWs with future-ready skills and credentials for smooth reintegration or advancement in the global workforce.