DMW to run after agencies charging fees for Qatar-bound OFWs

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) will run after recruitment agencies charging fees to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Qatar.

In a media forum, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they intend to implement the “no placement fee” policy for Qatar-bound OFWs.

“It is not so much about the terms used but rather on what is its purpose or intention for charging,” said Cacdac.

“Whatever the name of the fee is called, if it is along the same line or purpose, that is illegal and we will run after the agency that charges such fees,” he added.

Cacdac said charging placement fees is prohibited both in the Philippines and Qatar.

“If it is called a processing fee or any other name, but the purpose is to pay for the services of the agency, it is banned,” said Cacdac.

Based on DMW Advisory No. 24-2024, Qatar is considered as a non-placement fee labor-receiving country.

The DMW said this means that all entities licensed to recruit workers to Qatar are prohibited from collecting any sum for recruitment fees, expenses, or other associated costs.

The advisory comes weeks after Qatar expressed interest in hiring more skilled Filipino workers, such as nurses, architects, and engineers.

DMW data shows that there are approximately 250,000 OFWs in Qatar.