Four undocumented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) set to work in Dubai as domestic helpers were stopped by immigration officials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport after disguising as tourists,
“We are in the midst of an intensified campaign against human trafficking, thus we are warning aspiring OFWs to comply with the rules and requirements for overseas workers,” Immigration Bureau Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a release.
“We are likewise warning recruiters and other cohorts not to attempt to assist or vouch for illegal workers, as you will face human trafficking cases which could lead to life imprisonment,” he added.
Morente said that airport officials were able to detect the women after they pretended to be going for a vacation in Thailand.
BI port operations division chief Grifton Medina said that the four women were about to board a flight to Bangkok when they were intercepted.
“They pretended that they all knew each other as they were co-workers and friends,” Medina said.
Immigration officials said that the women gave inconsistent statements.
The four later admitted that they are supposed to work in Dubai as household worker.
The alleged illegal recruiter was also stopped from leaving the country.
