Angeles Language Academy and Visa Agency Shut Down on Suspicion of Illegally Recruiting for Overseas Jobs

Angeles Language Academy and Visa Agency Shut Down on Suspicion of Illegally Recruiting for Overseas Jobs

📌 The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Wednesday, November 11, that it has shut down Keynes Foreign Language Academy in Angeles City on suspicion of illegally recruiting overseas job applicants while posing as a language school and visa agency. It is alleged to have advertised jobs as factory workers, nurses, and caregivers in Japan, Korea, and Germany and collected 20,000 to 30,000 pesos in language course fees.

■ What Happened
· According to the Philstar, the DMW enforced Closure Order No. 60 together with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). The order covers Keynes Foreign Language Academy Co. and the names Keynes International Language & Visa Consultancy and Keynes Travel Agency & Visa Assistance, which the company used together.
· The DMW said its investigation found that the company, while claiming to provide language education and visa assistance, connected applicants to "partner" recruitment agencies and overseas employers, sent out résumés, and contacted employers seeking workers directly.
· The language course fee was 20,000 to 30,000 pesos, depending on the destination country.

■ Investigation and Current Status
· The DMW said it will file charges of illegal recruitment against the officers and employees involved and place the individuals and company on its list of disqualified persons and entities. The allegations are still only claims made by the DMW.
· Victims can request legal assistance through the DMW's anti-illegal recruitment and anti-trafficking Facebook page (DMW AIRTIP) or at airtipinfo@dmw.gov.ph.

■ Notice for Residents and Travelers
· Only recruitment agencies licensed by the DMW may arrange overseas employment. If a language school or travel agency promises you a job, first check with the DMW whether it is licensed.
· Some of the recruitment advertised jobs in Korea, so if a Filipino acquaintance or employee around you has received such an offer, please tell them to be careful.

■ Sources
Manila Bulletin (11/11), Philstar (11/12)

■ Photo
· DMW staff posting the closure order — Manila Bulletin