Philippines – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of AUSPHIN PTY LTD / AUSPHIN GROUP and four related companies for allegedly recruiting Filipinos for jobs in Australia without the proper government license.
According to a statement from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the agency issued Closure Order Nos. 44–48, Series of 2026, after finding that the firms carried out recruitment and placement activities for overseas employment without any authority from the DMW.
How the Closure Was Carried Out
The closure orders were enforced at company offices in Baguio City and Pasig City. The operation was led by the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) together with the DMW Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (RO-CAR), under the direction of Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara.
The Jobs and Salaries That Were Promised
Investigators found that the companies allegedly targeted Filipino applicants with attractive offers. Recruits were promised roles as:
- Chefs
- Cooks
- Hospitality workers
- Tourism-related staff
The reported salaries ranged from ₱200,000 to ₱250,000 per month — figures that easily draw the attention of anyone hoping to build a better life abroad.
The Fees Applicants Were Allegedly Charged
The MWPB probe revealed a steep list of charges collected from hopeful workers, including:
- ₱270,000 for a one-year culinary training program
- ₱56,000 materials fee
- AUD 2,200 (around ₱95,000) in additional costs
- Other visa-related expenses on top of these
These amounts add up to a heavy financial burden, often shouldered by families who borrow or sell property just to chase the promise of overseas work.
What Happens to the Companies and Officers
The consequences don’t stop at closure. The DMW is moving forward with several actions:
- Officers and involved employees will face illegal recruitment charges
- Their names will be added to the DMW’s List of Persons and Entities with Derogatory Record
- The DMW will recommend the cancellation of business permits in Pasig and Baguio
- It will also push for the cancellation of the companies’ registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
A Message to Possible Victims
If you or someone you know may have been affected, help is available. The DMW is urging possible victims — and anyone with information about these recruitment activities — to reach out through the DMW AIRTIP Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip.
There, your case can be assessed and you can receive the legal assistance you need. You’re not alone in this, and speaking up may protect the next applicant from falling into the same trap.