08 October 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur advised Filipinos from falling victim to dubious job offerings with supposed high salaries in Miri and Bintulu in Malaysia’s Sarawak state.  

The Embassy has received reports about Filipinos recruited for alleged well-paying jobs in Miri and Bintulu in Sarawak and ending up working in bars and restaurants as guest relations officers (GROs) or waiters who are not paid proper salaries, given no employment benefits and whose passports are withheld by employers.

Some of them end up in debt bondage, as they are asked to pay huge sums of money before they can get their passports back and be allowed to return home. 

“Please be informed that foreigners who travel to Sarawak and other parts of Malaysia as tourists cannot work legally. Those who wish to work in Malaysia will have to first secure their employment visas in their countries of origin before coming over, otherwise, they may end up being victimized by human traffickers,” the Embassy added.

The Embassy echoed the reminder of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) on the need to secure employment visas before going overseas for work.

The Embassy also reminded Filipinos to be vigilant and not to deal with unlicensed individuals or purported placement agencies, and to report to authorities if they or their friends or relatives have been victimized by these entities. 

They should also verify the job offer with the POEA in Manila or the Embassy’s Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) before making travel plans. END