The government has taken huge steps to protect Filipinos from online job scams and human trafficking! In 2024, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shut down 71,000 illegal recruitment sites found on Facebook, TikTok, and other platforms. This is part of their mission to stop scammers from tricking Filipinos into fake overseas jobs.
But that’s not all! The government also closed 15 illegal recruitment offices in the country—double the usual number in previous years. This means fewer scammers and more protection for Filipinos dreaming of working abroad.
Illegal Recruiters Brought to Justice ⚖️
The DMW isn’t just shutting down websites; they’re also taking scammers to court! In 2024, they filed 71 cases against illegal recruiters, and 15 of them have already been convicted. That means real justice is being served against those who take advantage of job seekers.
Helping Victims & Cracking Down on Poor Living Conditions
The DMW is making sure victims of human trafficking are safe. Many Filipinos who were tricked by fake job offers are now being given shelter, legal help, and financial aid while the government fights their cases.
They’re also planning stricter rules for worker housing. Many recruitment agencies provide dorms for workers, but some of them don’t meet proper living standards. The government wants to make sure every worker gets a safe and comfortable place to stay before they leave the country.
20,000 OFWs Rescued & Brought Home ✈️
In 2024, the government repatriated over 20,000 OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who faced trouble abroad. Around 3,000 of them came from dangerous areas like Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank.
Just last week, 131 OFWs were flown home from Lebanon, finally clearing shelters in Beirut. Some workers still have pending cases, but lawyers are fighting for their rights to make sure they get justice.
P2.2 Billion in Aid for OFWs 🏥💰
The AKSYON Fund, a government program that helps OFWs, provided legal, medical, and financial assistance to 135,000 overseas workers last year! This P2.2 billion fund helps Filipinos who experience problems abroad—whether it’s unpaid wages, legal trouble, or health issues.
What This Means for Filipinos
The DMW’s tough stance against illegal recruiters means that more Filipinos are being protected from scams and human trafficking. The government is making sure:
✅ Fewer scammers can operate online 🚫
✅ OFWs in trouble get the help they need 🤝
✅ Victims of illegal recruitment receive justice ⚖️
✅ Workers have safe housing before they leave the country 🏠
This is a huge win for Filipino workers who just want a better future abroad without worrying about getting scammed or mistreated!
