MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration uncovered a new human trafficking scheme that involves fake itineraries for aspiring overseas Filipino workers, only to be later illegally transported to United Arab Emirates. The bureau said on May 14, TCEU officers from NAIA intercepted two female OFWs who presented valid overseas employment certificates (OECs), work visas for Maldives, employment contracts and itineraries bound for Maldives. But verification with their systems showed that both victims have valid tourist visas for UAE. One of the victims said they applied as domestic helpers but were given documents to work as sales assistants in Maldives. The victims, meanwhilem have been turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for assistance and filing of appropriate charges against their recruiters, Morente also said.

Source: Philippine Star May 18, 2021 06:22 UTC