DMW shuts 5 firms over alleged illegal recruitment for Australia

BAGUIO CITY — The Department of Migrant Workers has ordered the closure of five companies allegedly involved in unauthorized recruitment and placement of Filipino workers for jobs in Australia.

The DMW issued Closure Order Nos. 44 to 48, Series of 2026, against AISPHIn PTY LTD/AUSPHIN GROUP and affiliated companies for allegedly conducting recruitment activities without the required license or authority.

The companies allegedly recruited Filipino applicants for jobs as chefs, cooks and other hospitality and tourism positions in Australia, with promised monthly salaries ranging from P200,000 to P250,000.

An investigation by the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau found that applicants were allegedly charged P270,000 for a one-year culinary training program, P56,000 for materials and an additional AU$2,200, or about P95,000, on top of other visa-related expenses.

Based on the findings, the DMW recommended the implementation of closure orders against AUSPHIN PTY LTD/AUSPHIN GROUP and its affiliated companies, as well as legal action against individuals allegedly responsible for the recruitment activities.

Officers and employees found involved in the operations may face illegal recruitment charges.

Their names will also be included in the DMW List of Persons and Entities with Derogatory Records.

The agency said it would recommend the cancellation of the companies’ business permits to the city governments of Pasig and Baguio and seek the revocation of their registrations with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Potential victims and individuals with information on the alleged recruitment activities were urged to contact the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons unit for assessment and legal assistance.