Recruitment agency suspended for issuing different visas to worker

POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – A recruitment agency was suspended by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for giving two different visas to a worker bound for the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“POEA officers prevented the worker from leaving the country when she presented two different visas for pre-departure verification at the Labor Assistance Center at NAIA Terminal 2,” POEA said in a statement posted on its website.

The recruitment agency, identified as Chanceteam International Services, Inc., gave the worker a “sales staff” and “servant” visa

POEA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said in the statement that the worker admitted she will be going to Dubai, UAE to work as a domestic helper but a representative from the agency instructed her to show the “sales staff” visa when she arrives at the airport but to present the “servant” visa to her employer.

“The worker narrated that when she reported to the recruitment agency the day following her failed departure, the agent instructed her to tell the POEA officers that the ‘servant’ visa was obtained on her behalf by her cousin in Dubai but she absentmindedly brought it to the airport,” the statement said.

Cacdac said Chanceteam has committed serious violations relative to the recruitment and placement of the OFW, including misrepresentation and falsification of travel documents, and its continued operation will lead to further violation and exploitation of the workers it recruits.

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