The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Canada has reported cases of two Filipina caregivers from Dubai and Hong Kong who arrived in Canada without genuine employers. According to the report, one worker was facing deportation and the other was reportedly abused by the employer but could not formally complain for fear of being deported, since the present employer was different from the one specified in her work permit.

In the light of these reports and similar unreported cases, the general public, particularly OFWs working in countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, Israel, etc. who are planning to apply as caregivers to Canada are hereby advised to have their employment contracts verified at the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices or POLO at the Philippine embassies in their respective work sites.

The verification of employment contracts is a process prescribed by the Philippine government to enable the POLOs to check on the authenticity of the prospective employer. This is done for the protection of Filipinos, particularly  those OFWs in third countries, from unscrupulous foreign recruitment agencies and employers who resort to the practice of using third countries as jump off points to hire Filipinos for jobs, including jobs for caregivers to Canada.

The general public is enjoined to report any related information on illegal recruitment practices by any agency or individual to the POEA Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch Tel. No. (63.2) 721.0619/(63.2) 721.0650.

For the information and guidance of all concerned.

Adopted: 05 Sept. 2007