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Overseas Filipino workers aspiring for a job in war-torn Iraq face even more woes.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) yesterday warned Iraq-bound workers not only of the risks of working in the war-torn country but also about the dangers of  “Internet recruitment.”

“Applying online for a job in Iraq can also be dangerous because those vacancies being posted on the net can be non-existent or, if they exist, are very hazardous,” POEA chief Rosalinda Baldoz said.

Baldoz particularly cited websites dangerjobs.–blogspot.com  and pinoyjobiraq.blogspot.com which offers various jobs in the war-torn country to OFWs.

The POEA issued the warning in reaction to reports that large American companies are continuously recruiting Filipino workers for various jobs in Iraq through the Internet.

She emphasized that the Philippine government has not lifted the deployment ban to Iraq because of the high security risks involved.

According to Baldoz, Filipino workers who apply and are hired due to the demand and danger of the area often do not pass through the legal channels of deployment.

“Thus, we are reminding Filipino workers who are desperate to earn huge amounts of dollars and are unmindful of their safety, security, welfare and protection, that sneaking in to Iraq can be very, very risky,” Baldoz said.

Meanwhile, POEA has reported an increase in the number of overseas employment recruitment agencies padlocked for violations in the past three years.

Based on records, POEA canceled the licenses of 43 recruitment agencies in 2004. The figure rose to 66 in 2005 and to 73 last year.

As of May this year, the licenses of 23 recruitment agencies have been canceled, while 25 others have incurred the penalty of reiterated cancellation of license.

POEA deputy director Hans Cacdac said the cancellation of licenses is part of government efforts to combat illegal recruitment in the country.

Among the most common violations committed by these agencies are illegal exaction of fees, excessive collection of fees and misrepresentation.   – Mayen Jaymalin