Nearly 400 Filipino workers have reported falling victim to an alleged visa scam in Dubai, with some losing as much as 100,000 pesos each, the head of the Philippines’ Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said.
Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the cases had been reported to the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai, where several affected workers have consulted with the office’s retained legal counsel.
“It is distressing because there are so many victims, almost 400,” Caunan said in Filipino during an interview on DWAR Abante Radyo’s “OFW Konek” program.
The total amount lost has not been established. Caunan said some workers paid up to 100,000 pesos for the allegedly fraudulent visa arrangements.
Caunan said Dubai-based welfare officer Judith Santos had told her that several workers had attended legal consultations to explore possible remedies against those responsible.
Some victims’ relatives are preparing to seek help from the Philippine National Police’s cybercrime unit, a move Caunan said her agency supports.
She said social media may have been used to facilitate the alleged scheme, though that has not been confirmed.
Caunan called for those responsible to be held accountable, saying the workers had lost hard-earned money.
Authorities have not publicly identified any individuals or organizations allegedly involved. It also remains unclear how many workers have filed formal complaints or whether criminal charges have been initiated.
The welfare agency said it was supporting the affected workers while the Migrant Workers Office in Dubai continued to provide legal assistance.
