DMW: Contract verification, documentary processing for Canada OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued an advisory mandating all Filipino migrant workers bound for Canada to undergo contract verification and documentary processing.

DMW’s Advisory No. 9 defines a Filipino migrant worker as someone who is to be engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in remunerated activity in a country of which he or she is not an immigrant, citizen, or permanent resident or is not awaiting naturalization. 

“Ang puno’t-dulo ng advisories na ito ay proper verification of documents and processing of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) bound for Canada. Kasi ang nangyayari, merong mga programa sa Canada that are geared towards nominee programs, permanent residency programs — pero ang entry point to Canada is work. Through a work permit. OFW status, temporary work,” DMW Officer in charge Hans Leo Cacdac told reporters in a press briefing on Tuesday. 

(The reason for the issuance of these advisories is for us to ensure that there’s a proper verification of documents and processing of OFWs bound for Canada. Because what’s happening is that there are programs in Canada that are geared towards nominee programs, permanent residency programs — but the entry point to Canada remains to be through a work permit.)

According to Cacdac, the problem is that there are recruiters who prey on aspiring OFWs, charging them exorbitant fees. 

This, according to Cacdac, prompted them to issue Advisory No. 9, requiring all Canada-bound OFWs to undergo a so-called verification.

Cacdac said the primary purpose of this mandate is to curb illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons. 

Apart from this, he emphasized that this would also serve as a way to monitor the welfare of OFWs in Canada. 

“Of course, Canada provides the utmost protection to OFWs, but just the same [ang] recruitment process needs improvement. Again, kailangan dumaan sa DMW ang mga OFWs,” said Cacdac, adding that there should be no placement fee in applying for a job in Canada. 

(Of course, Canada provides the utmost protection to OFWs, but just the same, the recruitment process needs improvement. Again, it needs to go through DMW.)