Fake/Altered Certificate of Employment

February 28, 2017POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 002-17TO:All Concerned Licensed Recruitment Agencies   SUBJECT:Fake/Altered Certificate of Employment It is the policy of the Administration to uphold the welfare and protection of Filipino workers and ensure their careful selection in order to guarantee that they possess the necessary skills, knowledge and experience. Recently, the Administration has received reports and complaints regarding fake or altered certificates of employment of Filipino nurses recruited and deployed for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Investigation of these incidents is underway. The scheme, allegedly perpetrated by licensed recruitment agencies, and in some cases, with the acquiescence of applicants, involved the submission of fake or altered employment certificates to reflect compliance with work experience and training requirements of employers. Primary source verification by employers, however, revealed that some applicants had not undergone or completed training programs, or had not been employed by medical institutions issuing such certification. This scheme gravely endangers the welfare of Filipino nurses and exposes them to possible deportation, detention and blacklisting which could deny them future employment not only...