The Philippine Embassy in UAE has posted a warning to all those who are planning to work as household workers in the UAE. It advises Filipinos not to fall for posts on social media (specifically Facebook) saying that it is “easy” to become a household worker in Dubai or Abu Dhabi as you might become victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
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The post also mentions that there’s been a ban for Filipino household workers since 2014, although there’s been a memorandum of understanding signed by the Philippines and UAE stating that the hiring of domestic workers is allowed only for registered agencies.
Philippine Embassy in UAE warns against Household Workers applying via Social Media
The warning focuses on non-licensed recruiters enticing Filipinos with jobs, however they will arrive in the UAE under visit visas/tourist visas. Working while on a tourist visa in the UAE is illegal. Aside from not having worker’s rights, there will also be corresponding fines and penalties if caught.
They also mentioned that in 2019, about 5000 reported Filipinos sought help from the Philippine Embassy and it took months before these human trafficking victims were able to go back the Philippines.
Below is the said statement posted on the official Facebook page of the PH Embassy in UAE:
BABALA
Huwag maniwala sa mga umaakit sa FB na madaling maging household worker sa Dubai o Abu Dhabi. May ban po sa kasalukuyan ang mga household workers na Pilipino sa UAE simula pa ng 2014. Katunayan, noong 2019, halos limang libong Pilipino ang humingi ng saklolo sa Philippine Embassy at tumagal dito ng ilang buwan bago nakauwi sa Pilipinas matapos mabiktima ng mga illegal recruiters.
HUWAG MAGING BIKTIMA KAGAYA NILA! LUHA ANG KAPALIT HABANG ANG MGA ILLEGAL RECRUITERS ANG YUMAYAMAN!