Over 100 Filipinos in Myanmar scam hubs home soon

Over one hundred Filipinos trapped in scam hubs in Myanmar are set to be repatriated as early as next week, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Migration Affairs Eduardo de Vega.

In a Senate hearing on 18 March, De Vega confirmed that approximately 187 Filipinos will be allowed to cross the Myanmar-Thailand border, from where they will either take a chartered flight from Mae Sot or travel by land to Bangkok for their return flights to the Philippines. Thailand has mandated that once the victims enter the country, they must be removed within 24 hours.

De Vega explained that the repatriation process involves coordination between the Myanmar and Thai governments. Filipinos will be brought from Myanmar to the Friendship Bridge, then across to Mae Sot. Both governments must agree on the specific dates and times for the crossing.

He also noted that the crossing follows a nationality-based schedule: Filipinos and other Southeast Asians are allowed to cross on Mondays and Tuesdays, while Chinese nationals, a large group of trafficking victims, are scheduled from Wednesday to Friday.

“It’s similar to the Gaza repatriation — victims can’t all leave at once. We’re competing with other countries as there are thousands of trafficking victims,” De Vega said.

He added that Myanmar’s scam hubs may be fully shut down by mid-year after Thailand cut electricity in border areas to combat the scams. Currently, about 62 Filipinos remain in these compounds.

He urged Filipinos not to accept job offers in Thailand or the region without going through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed on Tuesday that they are working closely with the DFA regarding the trafficking victims and added that the repatriated individuals could transition into care work upon their return to the country.

The DMW has proposed the establishment of a formal Migrant Workers Office in key Asean countries to assist Philippine embassies in managing repatriation and reintegration efforts.