One of the most important steps before applying for any overseas job is confirming that the recruitment agency you’re dealing with is actually licensed to operate. Illegal recruitment remains one of the most common ways Filipino job seekers get scammed — sometimes by agencies with no license at all, and sometimes by legitimate-looking operations advertising jobs they aren’t actually authorized to fill. Here’s how to check, step by step.
Step 1: Check the Agency Against the Official DMW List
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) — which absorbed the former POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration) — maintains the official, authoritative list of licensed recruitment agencies. This is the single most important check you can do, and it’s free.
- Go to the official DMW website at dmw.gov.ph
- Look for the “Licensed Recruitment Agencies” section (sometimes listed under Online Services)
- Search the agency’s exact registered name — not just what’s on their Facebook page or business card, since scammers sometimes use names that are very close to, but not identical to, a real licensed agency’s name
- Check the license status shown: it should say something like “Valid” or “Licensed.” If it shows “Suspended,” “Cancelled,” “Delisted,” or doesn’t appear on the list at all, do not proceed
The DMW’s licensed agency database is updated regularly, so this is more reliable than trusting a printed license number on a flyer or Facebook post, which could be outdated, fabricated, or copied from a different (real) agency entirely.
Step 2: Confirm They Have an Approved Job Order for the Specific Position
This step catches a lot of people off guard: having a valid license does not automatically mean an agency can recruit for any job they advertise. Under DMW rules, a licensed agency must have a specific, DMW-approved Job Order for each position and destination country before they’re authorized to recruit for it.
In practice, this means an agency could be legitimately licensed overall, but not actually authorized to fill the specific role you’re applying for. Ask the agency directly to show you the DMW-approved Job Order for the exact position and country you’re applying to — a legitimate agency should be able to provide this without hesitation.
Step 3: Match the Details, Not Just the Name
Scammers sometimes copy a real, licensed agency’s name and license number, then operate under a fake office or unofficial contact channel. When you verify an agency:
- Cross-check that the office address listed on the DMW site matches where you’re actually being asked to submit documents or meet
- Confirm that the contact number or email you’re using matches official contact details, not just a personal mobile number given informally
- Be cautious if you’re asked to deal exclusively through a personal social media account rather than the agency’s official channels
Step 4: Use Additional Verification Channels If You’re Unsure
If the online search doesn’t return clear results, or you want to double-confirm:
- Walk-in verification: You can visit the DMW Central Office (Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA) or a Regional Extension Unit in person to check an agency’s records directly.
- Anti-illegal recruitment hotlines: DMW operates hotlines specifically for reporting or inquiring about suspected illegal recruitment.
Understanding What the Status Labels Actually Mean
- Valid/Licensed: The agency is currently authorized to recruit overseas workers.
- Suspended: The agency is temporarily barred from recruiting, usually pending an investigation or violation.
- Cancelled or Delisted: The agency is no longer authorized to operate at all — treat this the same as an unlicensed agency.
- Not found in the database: Either the agency has never been licensed, or you may have the name slightly wrong — try alternate spellings, but if it genuinely isn’t listed, do not proceed.
Why This Step Matters Legally, Not Just Practically
Under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act (RA 8042, as amended by RA 10022), recruiting without a valid DMW license is considered illegal recruitment. Beyond the obvious scam risk, working through an unlicensed entity also strips you of protections you’d otherwise have — including mandatory insurance coverage, a standard DMW-verified employment contract, and the ability to seek legal recourse through DMW or the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) if something goes wrong. Verifying the agency isn’t just about avoiding an outright scam — it’s what gives you legal standing and protection throughout your employment.
A License Check Is Necessary, But Not Sufficient
Even after confirming an agency is validly licensed, keep these additional checks in mind before moving forward:
- A licensed agency should never ask for placement fees before you’ve signed an employment contract
- Under DMW rules, allowable placement fees are generally capped at one month’s basic salary — some categories, like domestic workers, are exempt from placement fees entirely
- Always demand an official receipt reflecting the actual amount paid and its purpose, if any fee is legitimately owed
- Your employment contract should be a DMW-verified standard contract, not an informal agreement
For a broader look at common scam tactics beyond agency licensing, see our Job Scam Awareness guide.
This guide reflects the general DMW verification process as publicly described. Requirements, portal names, and specific steps can change — always confirm current procedures directly through the official DMW website or by contacting DMW directly before making decisions based on this information.
Suzaine Marave researches and writes about OFW resources, government benefits, and job opportunities for Filipino workers both locally and abroad. She founded Benefitswise in 2026 to bring together verified, up-to-date information in one place — cutting through the confusion and misinformation that job seekers often encounter. Every guide is researched using official government sources (POEA/DMW, OWWA, embassy resources) and cross-checked before publishing.