The newly created Department of Migrants Workers (DMW) recently padlocked a recruitment agency in Ermita, Manila for allegedly engaging in illegal recruitment.
Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople ordered the Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to stop Kharen International from operating for violating recruitment regulations.
The closure stemmed from complaints filed before the DMW against Kharen International, including exacting placement fees from applicants like household workers and beauticians.
Household workers are exempted from paying placement fees under POEA regulations as their employers are tasked to pay the recruiters for every worker hired.
An investigation showed that the agency had no valid job orders for the workers it allegedly wanted to deploy to the United Arab Emirates and other Middle East countries.
Barangay 668 of Ermita, Manila helped in investigating the firm, according to DMW.
Ople called on those who had dealings with Khaled to coordinate with the POEA so the appropriate criminal charges may be filed in court.
The POEA regulates placement and recruitment agencies and can order their closures and the forfeiture of their bonds for committing violations.
The DMW also reported busting six illegal recruiters that had victimized 235 applicants in Davao City.