MANILA – The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has temporarily suspended the deployment of seasonal workers to South Korea through local government units (LGUs) following reports of illegal recruitment activities, officials announced on Wednesday.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the decision is part of an ongoing effort to curb unlawful practices in the recruitment process. He stated that the processing of workers under the seasonal workers program (SWP) to South Korea from seven unidentified LGUs has been put on hold.
“We are also being very strict about compliance with protective mechanisms regarding the safety and well-being of the seasonal workers. And for that reason, the processing of workers from seven LGUs has been put on hold for various reasons,” Cacdac told reporters during a press briefing.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia revealed that 37 illegal recruitment cases have been filed with 118 complainants. He noted that two cases in Pasay and Davao are ongoing, while one case in Tarlac has been dismissed due to an out-of-court settlement by the complainants.
Cacdac said the DMW is closely monitoring the cases and may send a team to South Korea to continue the monitoring process and personally check the situation of the employed seasonal workers.
Despite the temporary suspension, Cacdac said over 6,100 workers have been deployed so far under the revised protocols with proper employment contracts, industrial accident compensation insurance, and membership in the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). He added that no cases of serious illness or death have been recorded among the seasonal workers since the revision of the protocols.
The DMW has also implemented a monitoring framework in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul and the OWWA, maintaining daily contact with workers to ensure their well-being.
The decision to suspend deployments from certain LGUs underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of its migrant workers, even as it continues to address the challenges posed by illegal recruitment activities.
