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ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Regional Office 9 on Friday, Aug. 1, closed down the Zamboanga City branch of Visa to America Manila Inc., a visa consultation agency recruiting teacher applicants for jobs in the United States.
DMW-9 Regional Director Gay Iris Tangcalagan said the closure order was based on Order No. 27, Series of 2025, issued by DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
Tangcalagan said the agency has six other offices in the country which fronts as visa consultants, but is engaged in the recruitment of teachers despite the lack of a license to recruit applicants.
Around 60 complaints were received by the DMW nationwide from applicants who reportedly paid fees in exchange for jobs abroad, but none has materialized.
“Within 48 hours of applying they were pressured to sign contracts and make down payments, but thereafter received no follow-up information, “ said Tangcalagan.
Applicants were reportedly made to pay P400,000 to P600,000 as placement fees.
It also advertises salaries ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 annually based on qualifications.
Tangcalagan advised applicants to visit their office to avoid being victimized by agencies engaged in illegal recruitment.
She bared plans to intensify awareness and information campaigns among applicants to avoid becoming victims of this type of operation.
