Don’t worry, Kabayan. Here’s a simple, friendly, at madaling sundan na guide para iwas-scam at iwas–illegal recruitment. 

 

1. Always Check if the Agency is DMW-Licensed 

Bago ka magpasa ng kahit anong requirement, i-check mo muna kung registered at licensed ang agency sa Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). 

Paano? 

  • Visit the DMW website and search the agency name. 

  • Or use trusted platforms like WorkAbroad.ph, where lahat ng job postings ay mula sa DMW-licensed recruitment agencies. 

Walang license = walang legitimacy. 

 

2. Know the Rules on Placement Fees 

Hindi lahat ng fees ay illegal—pero may malinaw na guidelines. 

  • Allowed ang placement fee in some professions (within one month’s salary). 

  • Not allowed for domestic workers, seafarers, and some care workers depending on host-country rules. 

  • Lahat ng bayad dapat may official receipt. 

Kapag cash-only, walang dokumento, o sobrang taas ng singil—red flag ’yan. 

 

3. Avoid Job Offers Through Personal DMs 

Kung may nag-message na, 
“Hi ma’am/sir, hiring abroad! Guaranteed job!” 

Ignore. Block. Move on. 

Legit agencies do not recruit through personal messages. They post only through: 

  • Official websites 

  • DMW-accredited channels 

  • Verified job platforms like WorkAbroad.ph 

 

4. Review the Contract Carefully 

Bago pumirma, siguraduhin na malinaw ang: 

  • Salary 

  • Job responsibilities 

  • Working hours 

  • Benefits 

  • Accommodation/food (kung kasama) 

  • Location 

  • Contract duration 

A legitimate agency will never pressure you to sign immediately. 

 

5. Beware of “Reservation Fees” or “Express Lane Fees” 

Scam alert kapag narinig mo ang: 

  • “Pampabilis ng processing” 

  • “Reservation fee para ma-secure ang slot” 

  • “Kailangan magbayad ngayon” 

Walang ganito sa legal recruitment process. 

 

6. Attend Only DMW or OWWA-Recognized Orientations 

Legit na seminars include: 

  • PEOS (Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar) 
  • PDOS (Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar) 
  • Country-specific trainings 

Avoid “orientations” na ginaganap sa coffee shops, apartments, or random venues. Madalas, scam setups ’yan. 

 

7. Trust Your Gut—Kung may duda, magtanong! 

Kung may hindi ka comfortable… 
Kung minamadali ka… 
Kung hindi transparent ang proseso… 

Mag-step back. Better to double-check than regret later. 

 

Apply Safely Through WorkAbroad 

Ang pinakasimple at pinakaligtas na paraan para mag-apply abroad? 
Gamitin ang WorkAbroad.ph. 

Dito: 

  • Licensed recruitment agencies 
  • Verified job orders 
  • Safe and transparent job listings 

WorkAbroad’s mission is simple: Connecting Filipinos to safe jobs abroad. 

 

Official Sources 

For more information, you can directly check these trusted government sites: