Suspension of Acceptance and Processing of All New Applications for Overseas Employment Certificates for All OFWs

November 9, 2017DOLE DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 185-17In view of the persistent reports of illegal recruitment activities including direct hires, and in order to protect the public from the pernicious activities of certain unscrupulous individuals preying on Filipinos desiring to work overseas, the acceptance and processing of all new applications for Overseas Employment Certificates for all Overseas Filipino Workers, including direct hire workers, are hereby suspended. Excluded from the coverage of this suspension are those workers who are being hired by international organizations and members of the diplomatic corps, which includes members of royal families, and sea-based recruitment agencies.Meanwhile, an investigating team will conduct an investigation to get to the root of this malfeasance and will submit their official findings and recommendations.This Order shall be implemented by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration for compliance by all land-based private recruitment agencies.This Order shall be effective for 15 working days from 13 November to 01 December 2017 subject to extension as circumstances may require. CAIHTE (SGD.) SILVESTRE H. BELLO IIISecretary