An investigative report has uncovered a network of recruitment agencies and individual agents operating across multiple countries, allegedly deceiving Filipino workers with promises of jobs in Poland. The report sheds light on the exploitation and financial burdens faced by these migrant workers, who have paid hefty fees but are yet to receive their promised employment opportunities.
The investigation, conducted by journalists in Hong Kong, China, reveals the experiences of Filipino workers who were lured by the prospect of higher salaries and better living conditions in Poland. Many of these workers were struggling financially in their home country or facing poor working conditions in Gulf countries and other parts of Asia. Poland, with its growing economy, appeared as an attractive destination for these workers.
According to the report, these workers were asked to make payments in multiple installments, ranging from $3,500 to $5,000, well above the legal maximum amount set in the Philippines. Some of the workers even remortgaged their homes or borrowed money to cover these fees. However, upon sending their payments, they were met with hidden charges, lack of updates, and verbal intimidation from agents.
The report highlights the case of Andrea*, who transferred a significant amount of money to a recruitment agency in Poland but is yet to receive her plane ticket. She is among the many workers who fear that they may never reach Poland despite paying thousands of dollars in fees. The investigation interviewed 10 workers and obtained written statements from 20 others who shared similar experiences of broken promises.
Filipino workers in Qatar, Hong Kong, and the Philippines were drawn to Poland through word of mouth and social media promotions. The allure of living and working in Europe, coupled with the opportunity to bring their families and access other European countries, seemed like a dream come true for these workers. However, they were often unaware of the significantly higher taxes they would face in Poland.
The number of Filipino workers in Poland has seen a rapid increase in recent years, with the country issuing 22,557 work visas to Filipinos in 2022, compared to just 2,057 in 2018. This growing demand has attracted unscrupulous agents who take advantage of the situation. Many workers reported paying fees to individual accounts of Poland-based agents without receiving official receipts.
The report also highlights the illegal recruitment practices and excessive fees charged by these agencies. Under Philippine law, it is illegal to directly recruit Filipino workers while they are working outside of their home country. Placement fees should not exceed the equivalent of one month’s salary and are prohibited for domestic workers and seafarers.
The Philippines’ labor attache in Prague has received multiple complaints from Filipino workers against a Poland-based agency named CIS Group Manpower. The agency has been on the Philippines Department of Migrant Workers’ temporary watchlist since May 2022. Measures are being taken to investigate the agency and potentially blacklist it.
The owner of CIS Group Manpower, Imran Mehmood, denies any wrongdoing and claims to follow Polish law. He states that his agency charges nonrefundable “consultancy fees” to support workers with various procedures but does not charge for visa processing or job placement. Mehmood alleges that some workers may have been misled by other agencies or individuals.
The report concludes by emphasizing the need for caution among migrant workers when dealing with labor intermediation services. It highlights the complexity and difficulties in verifying recruitment processes and urges workers to be vigilant.
This article sheds light on the alleged exploitation of Filipino workers by recruitment agencies operating in Poland. It highlights the financial burdens faced by these workers and the deceptive practices they have encountered. The investigation calls for further scrutiny of these agencies and the need to protect the rights and well-being of migrant workers.
