DFA Warns Job Seekers vs Visit Visa, Brings Home 71 Distressed OFWs

DFA Officers and staff assist the 71 distressed OFWs upon their arrival in Manila. (DFA OUMWA photo)

MANILA 08 November 2019 - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterates its warning to Filipinos seeking employment abroad against the use of tourist or visit visa to secure jobs overseas.

This warning comes after the DFA reunited 71 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFW), who all left the country using visit visa, with their families in the Philippines.

"OFWs without the proper employment documents are more prone to abuses and exploitation abroad. The DFA has been receiving an increasing number of reports about illegal recruiters using a third or fourth country, usually where a visa is not required for Filipinos, as jump-off points," said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Y. Arriola.

The 71 distressed OFWs from United Arab Emirates arrived in Manila at 8:40 a.m. today. They were accompanied by Consul General to Abu Dhabi Marford M. Angeles.

The DFA, through the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs, shouldered their airfare to Manila, cost of processing of exit visas, and maintenance and operating costs of government shelters in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. END

DFA Officers and staff distribute forms to the 71 distressed OFWs. (DFA OUMWA photo)

DFA Officers and staff orientate the 71 distressed OFWs. (DFA OUMWA photo)