The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) released an advisory on Sunday, January 21, warning all aspiring OFWs looking for jobs abroad and recruitment agencies against using fake documents.
In the said advisory, the POEA released a statement regarding the submission of counterfeit documents during application process after they have received complaints from foreign employers, reported Inquirer.
The advisory said that applicants submit fake documents to make it look like they are fitted for the job they are applying for, even if they lack the necessary training and qualifications.
“The scheme involves the submission of fake or altered employment certificates of job applicants, in some cases perpetrated by some licensed recruitment agencies with the consent of the worker, to reflect compliance with work experience and training requirements of employers,” POEA’s advisory reads.
“Primary source verification, however, reveals that some applicants had not undergone nor completed training programs, or had not been employed by companies or institutions issuing such certification,” it added.
The POEA said that any aspiring OFW who would submit fake documents and requirements would face possible deportation, detention, and blacklisting, and might affect their future applications.
Aside from said consequences, it will also affect an applicant’s future applications.
“Both workers and recruitment agencies should be aware of possible administrative and criminal liabilities arising from violation of relevant laws and rules and regulation on overseas employment,” POEA said.
