MANILA: A scam promising Filipinos work in a company in Malaysia if they pay up visa processing fees has been making the rounds in an e-mail here.

The Philippines’ Overseas Labour Office in Kuala Lumpur has issued a warning against the e-mail, which included a notice purportedly from the Malaysian Immigration De partment about its visa processing requirements. The notice was sent to “prospective applicants” informing them of a pending appointment letter from a company, which had allegedly requested for the processing of their documents.

Philippines labour attache in Kuala Lumpur Hassan Gabra Jum dain said the e-mail stated that after securing all the necessary documents, applicants would be required to pay US$670 (RM2,088) as processing fee for a visa or work permit, to be sent to a “government” office address in the capital.

“The e-mail also indicates that the cost of prepaid flight tickets will be shouldered by the host employer,” said Jumdain.
Philippines Labour Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz urged those hoping to work in Malaysia to strictly observe precautionary measures.

“They should only deal with licensed recruitment agencies listed on the Philippine Overseas Em ployment Administration website or visit the office for advice.

“They should not be lured by sweet words from fixers and agents promising overseas jobs for a fee. Better still, they should immediately report illegal recruiters to government authorities,” she said. — ANN/Philippine Daily Inquirer