A Dubai-based agency has been closed down for deceiving workers by making false promises of employment opportunities in Malta.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines has taken decisive action against the Dubai-based company Legal Connect Travel Consultancy, shutting down its Manila office on January 23, 2024. The company, which operated without a valid DMW license, is accused of orchestrating a fraudulent job scheme, promising non-existent employment opportunities in Malta and Italy.

The closure came in response to three complaints from applicants who faced delays and negligence in the processing of their applications after Legal Connect collected high placement fees. The company targeted overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and job seekers with deceptive offers for agricultural positions and caregiving roles in Italy, as well as hotel crew service jobs in Malta. The advertised monthly salaries ranged from €980 to €1,633, accompanied by demanding "processing" fees between €4,083 to €6,206.

Legal Connect, lacking proper licensing, now faces severe charges of illegal recruitment committed by a syndicate, a crime carrying potential life imprisonment and fines ranging from €32,664 to €81,660. Additionally, the company's officials and staff will be blacklisted from participating in the government's overseas recruitment program.

To address the issue globally, the DMW instructed its Migrant Workers Office in Dubai (MWO-Dubai) to collaborate with law enforcement officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a thorough investigation into Legal Connect's illegal activities in the region.

The shutdown of Legal Connect Travel Consultancy underscores the Philippines government's commitment to safeguarding its overseas workers from fraudulent recruitment practices and ensuring the credibility of overseas employment opportunities. Authorities encourage individuals who may have fallen victim to this scheme to come forward and report their experiences for further investigation.

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