The Philippine Embassy in Italy has issued a warning to Filipinos both in Italy and the Philippines regarding reports of alleged illegal recruitment, deception, and unauthorized fee collection by certain individuals and groups operating in Rome, Caserta/Naples, and Milan.
In an advisory, the embassy said it has received complaints from Filipinos who were promised employment in Italy.
The embassy emphasized that complaints specifically related to the decreto flussi, with individuals being asked to pay large amounts (around €4,000 or approximately P277,324.00) for the processing of applications, visa issuance, nulla osta (work permit), and other documents, many of which turned out to be fake, nonexistent, or were never processed.
Decreto flussi is an Italian government regulation that establishes annual quotas for non-European Union (EU) nationals who enter Italy for work purposes.
“Mahigpit na pinapayuhan ang publiko na mag-ingat at sundin ang tamang proseso kapag nag-aapply ng trabaho sa abroad upang maiwasang maging biktima ng illegal recruitment,” it added.
(The public is strongly advised to be cautious and to follow the proper procedures when applying for jobs abroad to avoid becoming victims of illegal recruitment.)
The embassy also encouraged victims to gather all evidence and report the matter to the authorities.
Filipinos residing in the Philippines should report directly to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Anti-Illegal Recruitment Division, while those in Italy should go to the nearest police station and provide a copy of the report to the embassy.
