The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) reminds applicants and agencies about the no-placement fee policy for all Filipinos that will be deployed as household service workers (HSWs) in foreign countries. The new reminder is specifically directed to HSWs bound to Hong Kong as some recruitment agencies are reportedly protesting the policy.

The POEA Chief, Hans Leo Cacdac, in an interview by GMA News Online said,  “As for the POEA, we will maintain tightened enforcement of the household workers reform policy, which includes the 'no placement fee' prohibition.”

“We hope the matter between the Philippine recruiters and their counterparts will be resolved,” Cacdac added.

A separate report done by a GMA News to Go reporter said that a group of recruitment agencies ordered a moratorium in the hiring process of Hong Kong-bound Filipinos in protest of the POEA ruling.

The recruitment agencies explained that the placement fees are necessary to cover their operational expenses. However, the POEA chief said the placement fees should be shouldered by the Hong Kong employer and not the job applicants.

He said, “Nakukulong sila sa mga ganitong klaseng arrangements na wala na silang choice kung 'di magtrabaho nang magtrabaho para lang makabawi.”

The POEA reiterated that they are strictly implementing the no placement fee policy to HSWs. Aside from that, they will also prosecute agencies who would not comply with the policy.

Cacdac said, “We will cancel the license of any Philippine recruiter who charges a household or service worker placement fees.”