Filipinos warned vs. New Zealand job scams

MANILA – Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has warned Filipinos seeking jobs in New Zealand to verify recruitment agencies and job offers to avoid falling victim to illegal recruiters.

At an interview during the Philippines-New Zealand Friendship Week celebration in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Cacdac warned illegal recruiters that the DMW will go after them.

“Kamakailan lang, 1,700 ang nirecruit on false jobs to Europe. Itong ahensya ng Alju, iwasan ang ahensya na yan at kinansela natin yan at inaresto pa ang may-ari (Recently, 1,700 were recruited for false jobs to Europe. This Alju agency, avoid that agency and we canceled it and even arrested the owner),” he said.

Cacdac noted that the DMW already conducted about 30 closure operations in Metro Manila and is now coming after illegal recruiters based outside the capital region.

“Dito sa Metro Manila naka 30 closure na tayo ngayong taon, but outside of Metro Manila, maghanda po kayong illegal recruiter dyan (Here in Metro Manila, we have already had 30 closures this year, but outside of Metro Manila, illegal recruiters, be prepared), we will come after you,” he said.

On Aug. 20, the DMW said a woman allegedly involved in a syndicated illegal recruitment activity and estafa scheme was arrested in Iloilo City.

She allegedly operated Paragon Visa Consultancy and recruited Filipinos in 2025 by offering jobs in New Zealand, charging processing and recruitment fees ranging from PHP100,000 to PHP300,000.

The DMW said it has filed 13 cases against the woman for syndicated illegal recruitment and estafa.

Some complainants reportedly discovered upon arriving in New Zealand that the jobs they were promised were unavailable, while others were given different positions.

“We will see this case through and ensure that the victims secure justice,” Cacdac said.

He warned jobseekers against recruiters who demand large fees or pressure them to pay immediately, noting that placement fees are prohibited for New Zealand-bound workers.

“Kapag nananaga ng placement fee, dahil bawal ang placement fee sa New Zealand eh. So pag nananaga, nagmamadali, sabihin may plane ticket na at kailangan ng magbayad, 'yan ay mga indikasyon, bahid 'yan ng (When they demand a placement fee, because placement fees are prohibited in New Zealand. So when they insist, rush you, say you already have a plane ticket and need to pay, those are indications, signs of) illegal recruitment,” Cacdac said.

“Kapag may immigration adviser na sinasabing kailangan ng adviser, counselor. Hindi kailangan ang immigration counselor adviser, diretso lang sa DMW, diretso sa (When there is an immigration adviser or they are saying you need an adviser, counselor. The immigration counselor adviser is not needed, just go directly to the DMW, directly to) New Zealand Embassy,” he added.

Cacdac reminded applicants to deal only with licensed recruitment agencies, verify their job offers with the DMW or the New Zealand Embassy, and secure the proper work visa before leaving the country. (PNA)