The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) shut down a consulting firm in Malate, Manila, on Friday, Dec. 5, for alleged illegal recruitment of Filipinos to work in Germany.

According to DMW, the consultancy firm was identified as Gisgerman Document Facilitation Services (GIS Manila), located on the 2nd Floor, Alcantara Bldg., 704 Pablo Ocampo Sr. St., Malate, Manila.

The closure was led by DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo Cacdac, together with the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), in coordination with the Manila City Police.

DMW revealed that the said consulting firm has no license with DMW.

Upon recruitment, applicants were promised to have jobs as hotel workers, caregivers, and nurses in Germany with exorbitant fees of Php 102,000 for a series of language training courses with an initial Php 5,000 enrollment fee.

If the candidate completes the language course, GIS Manila will immediately connect them with German businesses; nevertheless, there will be a processing charge of PHP 99,000 for the potential job abroad.

“We will never tolerate any individuals or companies preying on the hope of Filipinos wanting to land a decent job abroad. Again, I am reiterating this warning to our Kababayans to always check the DMW website (www.dmw.gov.ph) for the list of licensed agencies and approved job orders to avoid illegal recruitment," said Officer-in-Charge Cacdac.

The consultancy firm and its employees are now listed on the DMW "List of Persons and Establishments with Derogatory Record" as a result of GIS Manila's closure, which precludes them from being able to apply for government jobs abroad.

They will also be charged with illegal recruitment by a syndicate, a crime that carries a life sentence and a fine of up to PHP 5,000,000.
To file complaints against the consulting firm, the DMW advises GIS Manila victims to get in touch with the MPB via email at [email protected] or through their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip.