Want to work abroad? Before you submit your application or hand over any documents, take time to check your recruitment agency. Is it licensed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), and is its license still in good standing? This simple step can help you avoid illegal recruiters, fraudulent job offers, and costly mistakes that could put your overseas employment plans at risk.
One important detail can help you assess an agency’s status: the word or designation listed alongside its name in the DMW’s official records. Knowing what that label means can help you make a more informed decision before moving forward with a job opportunity.
What Each Status Means
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) maintains an official online directory of licensed recruitment agencies where Filipino job seekers can check an agency’s licensing status. The directory includes agencies authorized to recruit workers for overseas employment, as well as records of agencies whose operations have been suspended, whose licenses have been cancelled, or that have otherwise ceased to hold an active license.
Do not assume an agency is authorized to recruit simply because its name appears in the directory. Check the status shown beside its name and verify the license details before submitting documents, paying fees, or accepting a job offer.
Understanding the Main License Statuses
- Valid: The agency’s license is currently recognized as valid. This is the status to look for when checking whether an agency is authorized to recruit for overseas employment. Also verify that the license has not expired and that the agency has an approved job order for the position and destination being offered.
- Suspended: The agency’s recruitment activities are subject to a suspension. Do not proceed with recruitment transactions while the suspension is in effect. Contact the DMW if you need clarification about the scope or duration of the suspension.
- Cancelled: The agency’s license has been cancelled. Under Philippine overseas employment regulations, a recruitment entity whose license is cancelled does not have a valid license to recruit workers.
- Delisted: The agency has been removed from the official roll of licensed recruitment agencies. Philippine regulations identify entities whose licenses have been delisted as non-licensees unless their status has subsequently been restored.
These distinctions are consistent with the DMW’s official agency directory and the government’s implementing rules for Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022.
Remember that a valid license is an essential first check, not a guarantee that a specific job offer is legitimate. The DMW also advises applicants to confirm that the agency has an approved job order and to verify recruitment details before proceeding. You can consult the Philippine Information Agency’s report on DMW guidance for job seekers for further advice.
Suspended is a Hard Stop
A suspended agency can’t recruit at all. That includes old files, according to Republic Act 10022. Some try anyway. In March 2026, the DMW shut down a Manila firm that kept hiring while suspended. It was the seventh closure that year. About 45 people filed complaints. The firm charged ₱80,000 to ₱120,000 for Europe jobs that did not exist.
A Valid License is Only Half the Check
A DMW licensed recruitment agency still needs an approved job order for your role. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac says an office or a social page does not prove it is legal. So look up both on the DMW site. Do it before you apply for overseas jobs. The stakes are high. Illegal recruitment of three or more people can mean life imprisonment.
Quick FAQs
Can I apply to a suspended agency? No. Wait until it is valid again.
Can I pay before I sign a contract? No. The DMW warns against paying fees without a contract and an official receipt.
Where do I report a scam? Email mwpb@dmw.gov.ph.
Choose a Trusted Partner for Your Overseas Career
For over 45 years, EDI-Staffbuilders International, Inc. has helped connect Filipino talent with overseas employment opportunities. With a commitment to ethical recruitment and decent work, EDI helps job seekers take informed steps toward building a career abroad.
Ready to explore job opportunities abroad? Browse our website to learn more about our recruitment services and the latest overseas job opportunities today.
