Pampanga language school shut down for ‘illegal recruitment’

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down a language academy and visa assistance provider in Angeles, Pampanga over alleged unauthorized recruitment of Filipinos for overseas employment.

The DMW issued Closure Order No. 60 against the Keynes Foreign Language Academy Co., which also operates as Keynes International Language & Visa Consultancy and Keynes Travel Agency & Visa Assistance.

The closure order was issued in coordination with the Anti-Money Laundering Council following investigation into the establishment’s alleged recruitment activities for supposed jobs in Germany, Japan and South Korea.

“Based on an investigation conducted by the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau, Keynes presents itself as a language training and visa assistance provider, but also allegedly engaged in activities linking applicants to overseas employment opportunities,” the DMW said.

The agency said the establishment refers applicants to purported partner licensed recruitment agencies or foreign employers, forwards résumés to prospective employers, and directly communicates with employers seeking workers.

“Job positions offered to applicants include factory workers, nurses and caregivers. The establishment reportedly charged between P20,000 and P30,000 for language courses, depending on the country where the applicants intend to work,” it said.

The DMW said corporate officers and employees linked to the alleged illegal recruitment activities would face charges and be included in its list of persons and entities with derogatory records.

People victimized by the language academy have been  encouraged to seek assistance through DMW’s anti-illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons Facebook page, or email [email protected].