Consul General Elmer G. Cato presents to Italian Prefect Renato Saccone copies of work permits that the Philippine Consulate General in Milan wanted verified as part of its investigation of cases of fraud and illegal recruitment involving more than 200 Filipinos. The meeting took place on September 4. | Photo from Philippine Consulate General in Milan
MANILA, Philippines — The Consulate General of the Philippines in Milan has warned Filipinos who want to find jobs in Italy to beware of illegal recruitment schemes and firms.
In its advisory on Thursday, ahead of the scheduled submission of work visa applications for the decreto flussi program of the Italian government aiming to hire around 452,000 foreign workers in the next three years, the Consulate told Filipinos to be careful of offers from illegal recruitment firms.
According to Consul General Elmer Cato, some individuals and agencies charge €500 to €5,000, for reservation fees and work visa applications.
“The Consulate and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) remind kababayans on the need to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid being victimized by those who are expected to take advantage of the decreto flussi program by charging exorbitant fees to secure jobs for their relatives in the Philippines,” the Consulate said.
“Kababayans should know that while the Philippines is among 30 countries covered by the decreto flussi program, there is no assurance that applications for work visas will be approved,” it added.
Cato added that the Consulate is monitoring other individuals and agencies reportedly charging expensive fees for employment.
“Kababayan should also note that only employers who are issued an authorization to hire workers under this decree (Nulla Osta) can validly apply for a work visa for their potential workers,” the Consulate said.
Foreign employers who want to hire Filipino workers must comply with DMW requirements and be accredited before the Filipino worker can be deployed overseas.
“Kababayans are also reminded that under Philippine laws, any act of canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing, hiring, including referring contract services, promising or advertising for employment abroad, whether for profit or not, by a non-DMW-licensed individual or entity, is considered illegal recruitment,” it continued.
Cato also said that cases are expected to be filed against Alpha Assistenza SRL, a recruitment firm that defrauded more than 200 Filipino job seekers of more than €3,000 each.
Those who feel that they may have been victimized may contact the Consulate through its channels:
MWO
Email: polomilan1@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +393756572333
ATN Section
Email: atn.consolato.ph@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39389683076
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