POEA warns public vs. illegal recruiters

Philippine Overseas Employment Administration warns job seekers abroad against dealing with unauthorized personnel from licensed recruitment agencies.

POEA regional director Evelia Durato said job seekers negotiating with unauthorized officers of licensed recruitment agencies are still illegally hired or recruited.

Durato said the recruitment agencies must secure Special Recruitment Authority from POEA for them to be able to recruit to places other than that covered by the license.

She said SRA's are specific in terms of the place or places, for how long or the running dates and specified jobs required of the entire recruitment project.

Durato said there are 49 land-based recruitment agencies doing business in the region and two sea-based agencies.

Only 10 recruitment agencies have main offices in Cebu City.

Just very recently, Durato said they issued written warnings to two licensed recruitment agencies from Manila whose representatives were not authorized.

SRA's acquired by the recruitment agencies serve as an assurance for the job seekers that the agency they are negotiating with is legal. - Ferliza C. Contratista