MEMBERS of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations tackle fraudulent recruitment schemes of criminal syndicates who use social media to lure jobseekers with fake employment offers, trap them in debt, and transfer them through unauthorized recruitment channels during the 19th Asean Forum on Migrant Labor that opened on Oct. 14.
The forum brought together regional partners to address online recruitment scams and strengthen protection for migrant workers.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac cited the risks posed by digital platforms, which expanded access to overseas employment opportunities but are also being used for illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
“The rise of the digital platforms and remote work has provided opportunities for migrant workers, but at the same time, the same platforms are now used for misinformation, illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons that have led many into forced criminality,” Cacdac said.
The Philippines is hosting the annual gathering as chair of the Asean Committee on the Implementation of the Asean Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers for 2025–2026.
This year’s theme is “Protection of Migrant Workers through Regular and Safe Migration Pathways.”
Cacdac said the meeting seeks to identify ways to help migrant workers access protection, remedies and support.
“We are here to identify solutions that provide access to protection, remedy and support to migrant workers. The ultimate aim is to formulate and adopt recommendations that will ensure protection of migrant workers relative to online recruitment and associated risks,” he added.
Discussions cover regulatory gaps in cross-border remote talent sourcing, stronger digital literacy standards before departure, and partnerships with technology companies and initiatives such as Meta, TikTok and Tech Against Trafficking to remove predatory job listings.
Participants are also examining ways to improve victim identification, remove barriers to justice, and ensure migrant workers can access cross-border grievance mechanisms and comprehensive legal aid regardless of their legal status.
]