POEA shutters alleged illegal visa consultancy office
POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac. Photo from his official Twitter account.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Overseas Employment Authority (POEA) has closed an illegal “visa consultancy” office that has been recruiting Filipinos for work to Canada despite not having a license.
POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac identified the firm as Global Caratas Consultancy and Visa Assistance Services, Inc. with office address at Unit 208 Estrella Condominium, 858 San Andres Street, corner Quirino Avenue, Malate, Manila.
The firm was closed “after several surveillance operations conducted by a team from POEA’s Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch,” POEA said in a statement Tuesday.
“The operatives confirmed that Global Caratas has been recruiting caregivers, butchers and farmers for Canada and collecting P50,000 from applicants for medical, visa processing, and placement fees,” it said.
The owner of the firm is a foreign national identified as “Mr. Harsey” who claims to be an immigration lawyer.
“Cacdac warned the public not to apply with visa and immigration consultants promising overseas employment,” POEA said.
“He also advised applicants of Global Caratas to report to the Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch and to testify against the consultancy firm,” it said.
The firm is facing charges of illegal recruitment and estafa, POEA said.
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