Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Person (AIRTIP) Program

The Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons (AIRTIP) Program stands as a cornerstone of the Philippine government’s commitment to the safety and rights of its overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This comprehensive program, managed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), addresses the long-standing issues of illegal recruitment and human trafficking head-on. With a focus on legal assistance for victims, awareness and education, and collaborative efforts with local government units (LGUs), the AIRTIP Program aims to create a safer and more informed environment for Filipinos aspiring to work abroad. Its activities are supported by Republic Acts 8042 and 9208, as amended by RA 10022 and RA 10364, which highlight the country’s resolve against these malpractices.

Targeting specifically the victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking, Filipino citizens seeking overseas employment, and stakeholders looking to deepen their understanding and ability to combat such practices, the AIRTIP Program offers several benefits. These include free legal assistance, educational seminars and workshops to raise public awareness about the dangers of such unscrupulous practices, and strengthened partnerships with LGUs to bolster the fight against trafficking. Prospective beneficiaries are required to be Filipino citizens with valid identification, who have either experienced or are at risk of illegal recruitment or trafficking. By following the program’s step-by-step guide, which covers understanding the program, staying informed through official channels, participating in DMW’s seminars, and reporting any violations, individuals can leverage the AIRTIP Program’s resources to protect themselves and others from exploitation and abuse.

AIRTIP
Credits: DMW / Facebook

What is the AIRTIP Program?

The AIRTIP Program is a program focused on combating illegal recruitment and human trafficking. It aims to protect the rights of migrant workers by providing legal assistance to victims, raising awareness through education, and fostering collaboration among different sectors. The program is an essential part of the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its overseas Filipino workers.

Significance of the Program

The Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Person (AIRTIP) Program plays a crucial role in protecting Filipinos, evidenced by the 1,463 AIRTIP campaign activities conducted in 2015 alone, reaching over 124,000 individuals. This program, established through Republic Acts 8042 and 9208, as amended by RA 10022 and RA 10364 respectively, combats human trafficking and illegal recruitment, major issues the Philippines faces. By educating stakeholders and raising public awareness, AIRTIP empowers individuals to identify and avoid exploitative practices, safeguarding them from falling prey to these criminal activities.

Legal Basis

The AIRTIP Program operates under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 Strategy Framework, which emphasizes strengthening social protection for all Filipino citizens, including those working abroad. This legal framework ensures that the program is aligned with national goals and strategies for protecting migrant workers from exploitation and abuse.

Benefits of the AIRTIP Program

The benefits of the AIRTIP Program are significant and multifaceted, including:

  • Free Legal Assistance: Victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking can avail themselves of free legal services, ensuring they have the support needed to seek justice.
  • Awareness and Education: Through seminars and workshops, the DMW educates the public and relevant stakeholders about the dangers of illegal recruitment and how to avoid them.
  • Collaboration with LGUs: The program works closely with local government units to strengthen the fight against illegal recruitment and trafficking, enhancing protection at the community level.

Eligibility / Qualifications

The AIRTIP Program is designed for:

  • Victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking
  • Filipino citizens seeking overseas employment
  • Stakeholders and officials seeking to enhance their understanding and capacity to combat illegal recruitment practices

Requirements

To benefit from the AIRTIP Program, individuals need to:

  • Be a Filipino citizen with valid identification
  • Have experienced or are at risk of illegal recruitment or trafficking
  • Report the incident to the DMW or relevant authorities

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Benefit from the AIRTIP Program

  1. Understand the Program: Learn about the AIRTIP Program’s goals and services.
  2. Stay Informed: Follow the DMW’s official channels for updates and information.
  3. Attend Seminars: Participate in educational events to understand your rights and the dangers of illegal recruitment.
  4. Know Your Rights: Educate yourself about the legal recruitment processes and the signs of illegal practices.
  5. Report Violations: If you encounter or suspect illegal recruitment, report it to the DMW immediately.
  6. Seek Legal Assistance: Avail of the free legal services offered by the program if you are a victim.
  7. Collaborate with Authorities: Work with law enforcement and legal entities during investigations to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
  8. Spread Awareness: Share information about the AIRTIP Program with others to prevent illegal recruitment and trafficking.

Recent Updates

Illegal Visa Consultancy Firms Preying on Filipino Job Seekers for Overseas

OpportunitiesFilipino job seekers are warned against unlicensed visa and immigration consultancy firms promising employment in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Victims are encouraged to report these firms and hold accountable the recruiters and agents involved in deceiving them.

 
Illegal Visa Consultancy Firms Exploiting Filipino Job Seekers Abroad

Filipino job seekers who have been promised employment abroad by unlicensed visa or migration consultancy firms are urged to report their grievances and hold accountable the recruiters and agents involved. Protect your rights and seek justice for deceptive practices.

 
Department of Migrant Workers Provides Financial and Medical Assistance to Distressed OFWs

Department of Migrant Workers Officer-In-Charge Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Assistant Secretary Venecio Legazpi lead regional officials and personnel in distributing financial assistance worth P30,000 each to sixty distressed overseas Filipino returnees. Additionally, the DMW’s attached agency OWWA distributed financial and medical assistance to thirty OFWs under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay Program. These activities are part of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair, a service caravan bringing essential services closer to underserved communities, in cooperation with the DMW.

 
Illegal Recruiter Arrested in Entrapment Operation by DMW and Mandaluyong City Police

Marjorie Almarez, a 33-year-old resident of Novaliches, Quezon City, was apprehended in a joint entrapment operation conducted by the Department of Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (DMW MWPB) and the Mandaluyong City Philippine National Police. The suspect was caught accepting money from a complainant who was promised a job as a fruit picker in Japan, with a monthly salary of P77,000. The DMW urges other victims of Almarez to come forward and report to their office or message them on their Facebook page to file a case.

 
Enhancing Opportunities for Muslim Filipino Migrant Workers: DMW and NCMF Join Forces

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to provide comprehensive support for Muslim OFWs. The partnership aims to ensure the protection and employment opportunities of Muslim Filipinos seeking work abroad, including pre-departure orientation, deployment, on-site employment, and eventual reintegration. Initiatives include developing a registration system, conducting pre-departure seminars, providing Arabic language training, and launching campaigns against illegal recruitment and human trafficking.

 
Illegal Recruiter Arrested in Joint Operation by CIDG and DMW

Mariam Mukalam y Tungal, a resident of Brgy. Sadsalan, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat, was apprehended in a joint entrapment operation conducted by the Department of Migrant Workers Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (DMW-MWPB) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Anti-Transnational Crime Unit (CIDG-ATCU). The suspect was caught after accepting P3,000 from an applicant in exchange for expedited processing of their documents for a job in Poland. DMW assures the victims that they will focus on the case and provide free legal assistance.

 
DMW and CICC Join Forces to Protect OFWs Against Cybercrime

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to provide protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families against illegal recruitment and investment scammers. The collaboration aims to combat cybercrime and data intrusions that often victimize OFWs, expanding beyond illegal recruitment to include human trafficking, investment scams, and consumer fraud. The partnership also includes measures such as advance notification and information dissemination to prevent scams and expedite the digitalization of OFW documentation processes.

 

Video: ‘Illegitimate’ work recruitment via student visa increasing – DMW

In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in the recruitment of workers through illegitimate means using student visas, according to a report by DMW. This practice poses significant risks to both the individuals involved and the integrity of the visa system. Authorities are urged to take immediate action to address this issue and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

 

Conclusion

The Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program is a beacon of hope for many Filipino migrant workers. It not only provides immediate assistance to victims but also works tirelessly to prevent these crimes through education and legal support. By understanding and participating in the AIRTIP Program, individuals can arm themselves with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate the complex landscape of overseas employment safely. Remember, the key to combating illegal recruitment and trafficking lies in awareness, vigilance, and collective action.

Contact Information

Department of Migrant Workers, Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons Program

Address: 4F Blas F Ople Building, Ortigas Ave cor EDSA, Mandaluyong, Philippines
Telephone number: 287210619
Website: dmw.gov.ph
Email: airtipinfo@dmw.gov.ph
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip

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