Philippines – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of Cander Consultancy Services, also operating as Cander Visa Consultancy Services, in Legazpi City, Albay. The firm was caught running recruitment and placement activities for overseas employment without any license or authority from the agency. Its target: Filipinos hoping to land jobs in Australia.
How the Case Started
According to a DMW report, the investigation began after officials received a tip about a public orientation the consultancy held on Australian job opportunities. That single lead set off a wider probe by the DMW Regional Office V, which launched cyber patrol and surveillance operations to check what the company was really doing.
Verification confirmed that Cander held no license to recruit or place workers abroad.
What Surveillance Revealed
DMW Region V teamed up with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Regional Field Unit V (CIDG RFU V) for follow-up joint surveillance. Operatives observed the firm actively processing hopeful applicants. Their findings included:
- Orientation, screening, and assessment of people interested in working in Australia
- A representative who pitched supposed direct hiring arrangements through a recruitment agency
- Detailed talks on the application process, employer interviews, visa processing, and pre-deployment requirements
In short, the operation looked and sounded like a legitimate recruitment agency, but it had no legal standing to do any of it.
The Money Trail
The financial demands raised red flags. Applicants were asked to hand over cash long before any job was secured:
- ₱10,000 non-refundable upfront fee
- A package program worth roughly ₱350,000 tied to their Australia job application
For many Filipino families, that is a devastating amount to lose to a fake promise of work overseas.
Charges and Consequences
The corporate officers and employees linked to the illegal recruitment now face criminal charges. On top of that, they will be added to the DMW List of Persons and Entities with Derogatory Records, a public flag that warns future applicants to stay away.
How Victims Can Get Help
The DMW is urging anyone who dealt with Cander to come forward. Victims can report the firm through the following official channels for free legal assistance:
- Email: airtipinfo@dmw.gov.ph
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip
If you are eyeing a job abroad, always verify a recruiter’s license with the DMW first. A real opportunity will never rush you into paying huge, non-refundable fees.