The Bureau of Immigration (BI) renewed its warning to the public against human traffickers preying mostly on minors and women desiring to find employment in Middle East countries.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente issued the reminder following the rescue of several Indian women who were subjected to inhumane treatment by their employers in Kuwait.
The BI chief said the news reports about human slavery remains a global issue.
“It is important that we do not take the issue of human trafficking lightly as it is still very rampant,” he added.
Morente said human traffickers usually lure their victims of lucrative jobs overseas even without securing legal documentation.
“As a result, victims suffer mental and physical abuse," the Morente said.
He said aspiring OFWs should practice caution and transact only with persons and agencies accredited by the government.
In 2021, the BI had stopped the trip of 491 travelers as possible victims of human trafficking.