Verify Legit Overseas Recruitment Agencies Before You Apply
Planning to work abroad in 2026?
Before paying placement fees, submitting your passport, or signing a contract, make sure the recruitment agency is officially licensed by the Philippine government.
All legal overseas recruitment agencies are regulated by:
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
If an agency is NOT licensed by DMW, it is considered illegal recruitment.
Why DMW Verification Is Critical for Job Seekers
Every year, Filipino job seekers lose money to:
- Fake job offers
- Tourist visa schemes
- Contract substitution
- Excessive placement fees
- Unauthorized recruiters
Verifying an agency through DMW protects:
✔ Your money
✔ Your passport
✔ Your employment contract
✔ Your overseas future
What Is a DMW-Licensed Recruitment Agency?
A DMW-licensed agency is legally authorized to:
- Recruit Filipino workers for overseas jobs
- Process government-approved job orders
- Issue verified employment contracts
- Facilitate Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC)
- Deploy land-based and sea-based workers
These agencies are monitored to ensure compliance with Philippine labor laws and migrant worker protection policies.
How to Check if a Recruitment Agency Is DMW Licensed (2026 Guide)
Follow these steps before applying:
Step 1: Ask for the DMW License Number
Legitimate agencies openly provide their license details.
Step 2: Verify Through Official Channels
Check the official DMW licensed agency directory.
You may also cross-check listings on reputable job portals like:
- Poeajobs.ph or WorkAbroad.ph
Step 3: Confirm Approved Job Orders
Make sure the overseas employer and position are officially approved.
🚨 Warning Signs of Illegal Recruitment
Stop immediately if you encounter:
❌ No valid DMW license number
❌ Large upfront payments before contract signing
❌ Processing under tourist visa
❌ No registered office address
❌ “Guaranteed” deployment promises
When in doubt — verify first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DMW?
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is the Philippine government agency responsible for regulating overseas recruitment and protecting migrant workers.
How do I know if a recruitment agency is legit?
Check the agency’s DMW license number and confirm it through official DMW directories.
Can I apply directly to foreign employers?
Most land-based workers must go through a DMW-licensed agency unless qualified under direct-hire exemptions.
Is it safe to pay placement fees?
Only pay fees allowed by law and only after verifying the agency’s license and job order approval.
Stay Updated on Legit Overseas Hiring
We regularly publish:
- Newly approved overseas job orders
- Country-specific hiring updates
- Agency license status alerts
- Deployment process guides
Bookmark this page and check before applying abroad.
Work Abroad Safely and Legally in 2026
Working overseas can change your life — but only if you go through licensed and verified channels.
✔ Verify first
✔ Apply smart
✔ Avoid illegal recruiters
✔ Protect your future
Ready to Apply Abroad?
👉 Verify your recruitment agency now.
👉 Apply only through DMW-licensed agencies.
👉 Avoid scams and illegal recruitment.
Note: Agency license status may change (active, suspended, canceled). Always verify in real time.
35 Comments
Hello Sir, I have come to know that TENAS Factory Saudi Arabia is recruiting for Laser welder. I am a laser welder. I have been working in Dubai for 8 years now. I want to join this company through you. Please tell me what should I do.
Mob +971544934982
HelloSir, I have come to know that TENAS Factory Saudi Arabia is recruiting for Laser welder. I am a laser welder. I have been working in Dubai for 8 years now. I want to join this company through you. Please tell me what should I do.
Mob +9971544934982. & [email protected].
Good Day,
I am looking a job abroad for Admin Staff
First time for abroad in Qatar
Me Bakante p po b s Messenger
Please register to apply https://poeajobs.ph/member/?action=login&mode=register
Good day po paki check daw po eating agency na to kung legit kasi nag hire sila Tru facebook kasi parang di ako sure kung legit..
Hi can you please check if legit ba ang agency na ito at registered po za inyu
NS UNITED MARINE PHILIPPINES INC
please gmail me or text me at 09958322283
NS UNITED MARINE PHILIPPINES INC (FORMERLY GENETICS MARITIME SERVICES INC)
Representative: ZOILO H. PAA
Address: 5/F, NEW SOLID BLDG, 357 SEN GIL PUYAT AVENUE, N.S. (Municipality Not Stated) MAKATI
Contact No.: 8172390/ 8402616
Expiration: 21 Sep 2026
I want to ask po if legit ba Ang Miral Experience new lang din Kase un
Miral Experience is not registered or not accredited by DMW
Hi pwede.poba ma check kung Legit agency Ang Princess Joy agency ?
Mero po bang bakanteng posisyon para sa pintor?
Salamat po
Please register to apply https://poeajobs.ph/member/?action=login&mode=register
Tanung ko lang po kung ung ang FIRST MANPOWER INT’L SERVICES INC.
Located at : 3/F PADILLA SQAURE BLDG.
PADRE PAURA COR. MARIA OROSA ST.ERMITA MANILA is Legal po ba at naka registered po ba sa POEA …
Salamat po … nag hihintay po ako ng inyong kasagutan
Not registered with DMW
Hello, i need agency that process for 1 person for now going to saudi please and only manila area. thank you
i woul like to apply as a company driver or family driver please kindly considered my application later
Please register to apply https://poeajobs.ph/member/?action=login&mode=register
Ano pong agency ang legit po applying papuntang Morocco as a household worker po
Hi po,ask lng po if the Xszarh top high agency is legit agency? Tnx po
Not listed in DMW
Good day Sir i am looking for a job as a massage therapist i am a first timer can you help me
Good day Sir can i ask If JENIRECK AGENCIES IS REGISTERD HERE
THANK YOU.
good day can i ask if subaru enterprises is register here
SUBARU ENTERPRISES, INC.
GF,2F,3F&4F, SUBARU BLDG, 2195 G.G. CRUZ COR M. ROXAS STS
Valid License
Me I asking if GOLDEN WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS is regulated here?
GOLDEN WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS is not a registered agency with DMW
1. Can an agency charge recruitment fees to care workers bound for Japan? If so, what is the maximum fee they are allowed to charge?
2. Can the agency refer an applicant to to a preferred language training center if required by the job?
3. Who pays for the language training fee?
1. Can an agency charge recruitment/placement fees?
✔️ General rule: NO placement fee for Japan care workers (in most cases)
For Japan programs like:
Caregivers/Nurses under JPEPA
Technical Intern Training Program (TITP)
Many Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) pathways
👉 Placement fee is generally prohibited or heavily restricted.
For TITP (common pathway for caregivers):
✅ Placement fee: ZERO (not allowed at all)
For SSW / other categories:
❗ No placement fee in principle under PH–Japan agreement
Only actual documented costs may be charged (no profit)
💰 Maximum allowed charges (if any)
Agencies may only collect legitimate, itemized costs, typically:
Around ₱15,000 – ₱35,000 maximum depending on category
These are NOT placement fees, but:
Documentation (visa, OWWA, etc.)
Medical exam
Processing costs
👉 Charging large “placement fees” (e.g., ₱100k+) is illegal recruitment.
✅ Bottom line:
Placement fee: ❌ NOT allowed (especially for caregivers/TITP)
Allowed charges: ✔️ Minimal, actual costs only (≈ ₱15k–₱35k max)
2. Can the agency refer applicants to a preferred language training center?
✔️ Yes, BUT with strict conditions
An agency may require or recommend language training, especially since:
Japanese language (e.g., JLPT/N4) is usually required for caregivers
However:
❗ They cannot force you unfairly into a specific center for profit
❗ They cannot use it to disguise illegal fees
👉 If the training center is:
Owned/affiliated with the agency → must still follow fee rules
Overpriced or mandatory without justification → ⚠️ possible violation
✅ Bottom line:
✔️ Referral is allowed
❗ Must be legitimate, transparent, and not a scheme to collect illegal fees
3. Who pays for the language training fee?
✔️ Depends on the program—but usually NOT the worker
For TITP / caregiver-type programs:
✅ Employer or Japanese organization pays
❌ Charging the worker is prohibited
For some SSW cases:
May vary:
Employer-sponsored → employer pays
Independent applicant → worker may pay exam/training voluntarily
But:
❗ If training is required for deployment, it is often:
Shouldered by employer, OR
Strictly regulated (no excessive charges)
✅ Bottom line:
TITP / many caregiver tracks: employer pays
SSW (some cases): worker may pay, but only reasonable and legitimate costs
❗ Training fees cannot be used as hidden placement fees
Good day!
I was able to inform the name stated A.C SICAT INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER SERVICES with DMW-251-LB-01302024-R is this legit?
Yes, Agencies registered with DMW are legit agencies and authorized to hire workers for overseas deployment.
Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines – KOICA
is this license agency?
This is not a DMW registered agency
Good day. My name is Irene Montefalcon. I am from the Philippines. I have 7 years of experience working as a warehouse officer. My main duties include receiving deliveries, checking stocks, organizing materials, and making sure the warehouse is clean and organized.
I am a hardworking, responsible, and reliable person. I work well with a team and I always follow company rules and safety procedures.
I am very interested in working abroad to support my family and to grow my experience. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
Please register to apply https://poeajobs.ph/member/?action=login&mode=register