OFWs warned on using fake documents

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has warned prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to refrain from using fake employment and travel documents.

POEA chief Hans Cacdac issued the warning as authorities are looking into reports that a number of Filipino dairy workers managed to enter New Zealand using fake employment certificates.

Citing a report from the Philippine embassy in Wellington, Cacdac said unscrupulous individuals issued fraudulent employment documents in exchange for cash.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has ordered an investigation into the matter.

Labor officials have expressed concern the irregularity may affect the implementation of the new labor agreement between the Philippines and New Zealand.

According to Cacdac, they received information that Immigration New Zealand has been strictly checking the applications of dairy workers from the Philippines.

“The alleged irregularities may have been the cause of delays in the issuance of working visas for Filipino dairy farm workers,” he said.

Cacdac said erring individuals are charging applicants $15,000 in exchange for a fake working visa.

Earlier, the Philippines and New Zealand forged a labor agreement to ensure the protection of the growing number of Filipino workers in the island country.

Baldoz said the agreement eliminated higher placement fees as well as illegal recruitment and trafficking of Filipino workers.