Review center shut down for ‘illegal recruitment’

MANILA, Philippines — A review center for International English Language Testing System or IELTS in Santiago, Isabela has been ordered closed after it was allegedly found engaging in illegal recruitment activities.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday said that the Antoine Review Center was offering overseas employment opportunities without the required license.

The agency said the establishment posed as a legitimate IELTS training facility while allegedly covertly marketing job placements abroad for seasonal and skilled workers. 

“Applicants for the seasonal program were offered a nine-month contract for a fee of 3,500 euros or approximately P250,000,” the DMW said.

Skilled workers were offered a three-year contract in exchange for 5,000 euros or around P350,000 in processing fees,” the DMW said.

Applicants were allegedly promised to receive 30 euros per hour or P2,000 per hour in salary.

The review center reportedly offered job opportunities for skilled workers in Canada and Poland.

The DMW said it would ask the Department of Trade and Industry to cancel the establishment’s business registration and  include this in the list of persons and entities with derogatory records.