Philippines warns workers of New Zealand recruitment scams

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Embassy of New Zealand have issued warnings to Filipino applicants regarding illegal recruitment and employment scams targeting those seeking work in New Zealand.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac emphasized that placement fees are prohibited in New Zealand, noting that any demand for such fees is a major red flag for fraudulent offers. Applicants are urged to verify all job offers and recruitment agencies against the official licensed list on the DMW website.

Recent enforcement actions include the arrest of a woman in Iloilo City allegedly involved in a syndicated illegal recruitment scheme through Paragon Visa Consultancy. The individual reportedly charged fees between PHP 100,000 and PHP 300,000 for New Zealand jobs that were either unavailable or significantly different from what was promised. The DMW has conducted approximately 30 closure operations in Metro Manila this year and is expanding its crackdown on illegal recruiters outside the capital region.