The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) - National Capital Region (NCR) reaffirmed on Friday that it is not required to issue visas.

In a statement, the agency said it is not required to inspect, process, or approve any visa documents for Filipino individuals wishing to migrate or emigrate to any foreign country.

The warning comes in the wake of complaints of unscrupulous individuals or groups using the department's name to demand a charge for the issue of visa paperwork.

“Scam Alert. DOLE-NCR warns the public against scammers attempting to request a clearance fee of visa documents that should be paid to the Department of Labor and Employment,” it stated.

The warning made no mention of the purported clearance fee to be paid to the department. The DOLE-NCR also warned consumers to be vigilant of organizations or individuals with whom they conduct business.

"Stay vigilant and protected against these fraudulent activities," it advised.