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Advocates Philippines
DMW Shuts Down Learning Center Illegally Recruiting OFWs For Japan
Photo credit: DMW
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) isn’t messing around when it comes to protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on illegal recruitment, the DMW officially shut down Hikari Japanese Learning Center Corp. on Thursday—along with its four branches—for illegally offering overseas employment in Japan.
DMW Says No to Illegal Recruitment
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac personally ordered the closure to safeguard hopeful OFWs from exploitative recruiters. The operation, carried out by the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) in coordination with local government and police officers, resulted in the padlocking of Hikari’s main office in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, and its branches in Manila, Rosario (Cavite), Davao City, and General Santos City.
“This is part of our intensified campaign against illegal recruitment, as directed by the President. We want to remind our kababayans—please do not engage with unlicensed recruiters. Always check with the DMW before pursuing overseas job offers,” Cacdac urged.
The Scheme: Language Training Disguised as Job Offers
Hikari Japanese Learning Center was luring applicants with the promise of jobs in Japan under the Technical Internship Training Program (TITP) and later transitioning them to the Specified Skilled Worker Program (SSWP). These jobs ranged from hotel and restaurant services to caregiving, food processing, and farming.
The catch? Applicants were required to take a four-month Japanese language training course costing ₱33,710, payable in installments. After completing the course and passing language proficiency tests, they were referred to alleged partner agencies for deployment—without the necessary DMW license.
What’s Next for Hikari?
With strong evidence from MWPB’s surveillance efforts (including social media monitoring), the DMW has officially blacklisted Hikari and its officers. They will now face illegal recruitment charges and will be permanently banned from participating in the government’s overseas recruitment programs.
This shutdown marks the DMW’s first major crackdown of 2025, and they’re making it clear—illegal recruiters won’t get away with scamming OFWs.
Victims, Speak Up
If you or someone you know was a victim of Hikari’s illegal recruitment scheme, the DMW urges you to reach out for legal assistance. You can contact them via:
📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip
📌 Email: mwpb@dmw.gov.ph
📌 Hotline: +63 2 8721-0619
This is a strong warning to illegal recruiters—the DMW is watching, and they’re taking action.
DMW Says No to Illegal Recruitment
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac personally ordered the closure to safeguard hopeful OFWs from exploitative recruiters. The operation, carried out by the DMW’s Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) in coordination with local government and police officers, resulted in the padlocking of Hikari’s main office in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, and its branches in Manila, Rosario (Cavite), Davao City, and General Santos City.
“This is part of our intensified campaign against illegal recruitment, as directed by the President. We want to remind our kababayans—please do not engage with unlicensed recruiters. Always check with the DMW before pursuing overseas job offers,” Cacdac urged.
The Scheme: Language Training Disguised as Job Offers
Hikari Japanese Learning Center was luring applicants with the promise of jobs in Japan under the Technical Internship Training Program (TITP) and later transitioning them to the Specified Skilled Worker Program (SSWP). These jobs ranged from hotel and restaurant services to caregiving, food processing, and farming.
The catch? Applicants were required to take a four-month Japanese language training course costing ₱33,710, payable in installments. After completing the course and passing language proficiency tests, they were referred to alleged partner agencies for deployment—without the necessary DMW license.
What’s Next for Hikari?
With strong evidence from MWPB’s surveillance efforts (including social media monitoring), the DMW has officially blacklisted Hikari and its officers. They will now face illegal recruitment charges and will be permanently banned from participating in the government’s overseas recruitment programs.
This shutdown marks the DMW’s first major crackdown of 2025, and they’re making it clear—illegal recruiters won’t get away with scamming OFWs.
Victims, Speak Up
If you or someone you know was a victim of Hikari’s illegal recruitment scheme, the DMW urges you to reach out for legal assistance. You can contact them via:
📌 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmwairtip
📌 Email: mwpb@dmw.gov.ph
📌 Hotline: +63 2 8721-0619
This is a strong warning to illegal recruiters—the DMW is watching, and they’re taking action.
Feb 7, 2025
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