MANILA, 16 May 2008 — The Philippine Foreign Service Posts in China yesterday warned Filipinos against illegal recruiters who dupe them with so-called high paying jobs that are actually non-existent or are dismally low-paying.
The Department of Foreign Affairs issued the warning amid reports that many overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) have been enticed to go to Shanghai and other cities in China hoping to get the jobs promised to them. They have either come home empty-handed, landed in low-paying jobs or gone to jail because their visa validity or category have already expired.
The DFA likewise warned that illegal recruiters promise OFWs they can get European or US visas in Shanghai at exorbitant fees. As a policy, Chinese authorities do not issue tourist visas, the DFA clarified. The DFA statement further said that Schengen or US visas in China are only issued to Chinese citizens and residents in China.
While it is true that there are opening for foreign workers in China for skilled, technical and professional categories, job openings for domestic service are non-existent, it further said.
The DFA likewise reminded OFWs that the Chinese government imposed on companies and institutions the need to seek permission to hire foreign workers. The Municipal Labor and Social Security Bureau grants the permission.
Not all Chinese schools who need foreign teachers who can teach the students English are authorized to hire foreign workers.
Also, some unathorized schools are in connivance with fly-by-night recruitment agencies who recruit Filipino teachers through the internet or telephone.
The DFA statement added that foreign contract workers must possess a visa or working visa to be recognized as a legal OFW. The visas are issued in the Chinese Embassy and by the Chinese Consulates General in Cebu and Laoag.
The DFA also yesterday warned Filipinos traveling abroad against wearing talismans and charms with live bullets, saying a number of Filipino travelers have been detained in various countries after they were found in possession of live bullets which they wear as necklaces, bracelets key chains and other accessories.
The government said possession of a live bullet, even if it is used as an accessory, in a criminal offense in some countries.
Talismans and lucky charms using live bullets are commonplace in the Philippines but these are not allowed in air travel.
