Filipinos warned vs. unauthorized recruiters for seasonal jobs in South Korea

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has warned Filipino seasonal work applicants, including local government units (LGUs) participating in South Korea’s Seasonal Workers Program (SWP), against unauthorized recruiters offering recruitment, training and deployment services.

In a social media post on Wednesday, the DMW said using brokers in the recruitment and deployment of seasonal workers to South Korea is strictly prohibited.

Advisory No. 54, series of 2026, issued by the DMW states that the Republic of Korea has designated the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) as the "Central Government Agency Specialized in the Seasonal Worker Program."

The agency also clarified that private companies in South Korea are not authorized to arrange or facilitate “sisterhood” or twinning agreements between Philippine and South Korean LGUs for the implementation of the program.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac urged participating LGUs to avoid dealing with unauthorized companies or individuals.

"Ito ay mahalagang paalala sa ating mga LGUs na bahagi ng Seasonal Workers Program sa Korea na huwag makipag-ugnayan sa mga hindi awtorisadong kumpanya o indibidwal para masiguro natin ang kapakanan at proteksyon ng ating mga Pilipinong seasonal workers ayon sa ating mga regulasyon na itinakda patungkol sa overseas employment (This is an important reminder to our LGUs that are part of the Seasonal Workers Program in Korea not to engage with unauthorized companies or individuals to ensure the welfare and protection of our Filipino seasonal workers in accordance with our regulations set regarding overseas employment)," he said.

Cacdac said the DMW issued the warning in accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen protection for OFWs.

The DMW said LGUs may seek additional information about the SWP from its Pre-Employment and Government Placement Bureau at the DMW Building along Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA in Mandaluyong City.

-Philippine News Agency