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OFWs warned of human trafficking risks in third-country recruitment schemes

Philippines | National

OFWs warned of human trafficking risks in third-country recruitment schemes

By Trixee Rosel

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has raised alarm over the growing threat of human trafficking linked to illegal "third-country recruitment" schemes targeting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through social media platforms.

A report from the Philippine Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria, revealed that Filipinos were trafficked to Nigeria and other West African countries, with some detained in Abuja and Lagos for charges including cybercrime, economic sabotage, and immigration violations.

The victims, recruited in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, were promised legitimate employment in Nigeria but were made to enter the country on tourist visas under false assurances that work permits would be processed upon arrival.

However, Nigerian law strictly prohibits the conversion of tourist visas for employment purposes.

The DMW reiterated that such schemes, which bypass Philippine government accreditation, are illegal and expose OFWs to significant risks.

Filipinos are advised to secure employment only through DMW-accredited agencies to ensure proper documentation, labor rights protection, and access to assistance during emergencies.

The agency also urged OFWs and job seekers to stay vigilant against suspicious overseas job offers and report any questionable recruitment activities to the nearest Philippine Embassy or Migrant Workers Office.

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