DMW-6 closes unlicensed visa consultancy in Iloilo City

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Migrant Workers–Region 6 has shut down an international education and visa consultancy office in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, for operating without a license.

DMW-6 Regional Director Glenda Aligonza confirmed in an interview with Radyo Pilipinas Iloilo that GST International Education and Visa Consultancy was found to be operating without authorization from the agency.

The closure was carried out simultaneously with similar operations in Polomolok, South Cotabato, and San Fernando City, Pampanga, following an investigation by the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau.

The MWPB reported that the firm offered programs such as the Career Development Program and the Hungary Student Pathway, which were allegedly used to entice applicants seeking overseas employment.

Under the Career Development Program, the firm claimed to provide career-matching services that linked applicants’ qualifications with job opportunities abroad in exchange for service fees ranging from PHP 30,000 to PHP 50,000.

It also reportedly offered positions such as pipefitters, factory workers, and caregivers in Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, with promised salaries between PHP 47,000 and PHP 66,000.

“They are not authorized to recruit Filipino workers for overseas jobs. Since they have no DMW license, their operation is considered an illegal recruitment activity,” Aligonza said.

She added that unlike the firm’s other branches, which had physical offices, its Iloilo City branch only rented a cubicle in a co-working space to accommodate applicants—still a setup that requires DMW accreditation.

As of this year, the DMW has closed more than 30 offices nationwide for illegal recruitment, including two in Western Visayas.

Aligonza reminded those planning to work abroad to verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies before applying.

The DMW said GST owner Nicole Porras Salazar and other personnel involved in the operation will face charges of illegal recruitment, which carries a penalty of 12 years and one day to 20 years of imprisonment.

They will also be included in the DMW’s list of persons and establishments with derogatory records, disqualifying them from participating in any government overseas recruitment program.

Those who may have been victimized by GST are urged to contact the DMW–MWPB or send a message to the bureau for assistance in filing complaints and availing of free legal aid.