‍MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has warned Filipino applicants and local government units against dealing with unauthorized recruiters offering recruitment, training and deployment services for seasonal jobs in South Korea.

The DMW said brokers are strictly prohibited from taking part in the recruitment and deployment of Filipino workers under South Korea’s Seasonal Workers Program (SWP).

Under DMW Advisory No. 54, series of 2026, South Korea has designated the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (EPIS) as the central government agency handling the seasonal worker program.

The department also clarified that private companies in South Korea are not authorized to arrange or facilitate “sisterhood” or twinning agreements between Philippine and South Korean local government units for the program.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac urged LGUs participating in the SWP to avoid transacting with unauthorized companies or individuals.

“This is an important reminder to our LGUs that are part of the Seasonal Workers Program in Korea not to engage with unauthorized companies or individuals to ensure the welfare and protection of our Filipino seasonal workers,” Cacdac said.

The DMW said the advisory is part of government efforts to strengthen safeguards for overseas Filipino workers and prevent illegal recruitment and unauthorized deployment arrangements.

LGUs and applicants seeking more information about the Seasonal Workers Program may coordinate directly with the DMW’s Pre-Employment and Government Placement Bureau at the DMW Building in Mandaluyong City.

‍