THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday shut down a travel agency in San Fernando City, Pampanga engaged in illegal recruitment activities to Bulgaria.
In a statement, the DMW said it padlocked the office of the Yatra Travel and Tours after it was found to be engaging in recruitment sans any authority.
“Under the guise of a travel agency, Yatra is engaging in recruitment and placement activities without the necessary license or authority from the DMW,” the department said.
The department said Yatra was found offering job opportunities in Bulgaria for positions as factory workers in the automobile and textile industries.
The job offers supposedly carry estimated salaries ranging from P90,000 to P110,000 a month.
The DMW said the travel agency, in turn, charges processing fees between P400,000 and P500,000.
Applicants are required to pay P50,000 as a down payment for a slot or reservation, with the remaining balance due after the completion of the required documents and before deployment.
The DMW said officials of Yatra will be included in its List of Persons and Entities with Derogatory Record.
The department said they are also set to face charges of illegal recruitment.
“Victims of Yatra are encouraged to coordinate with the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) to avail of free legal assistance,” said DMW.
