The Philippine government has warned Filipino migrant workers against using fake medical certificates for employment. In a statement, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) said there had been numerous reports about people offering to sell jobseekers medical certificates.
The POEA said the people selling the fake certificates hang around the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and medical clinics accredited by the Department of Health and offer certificates without the need of undergoing a medical examination.
The agency said the scheme made it appear that the applicant has complied with employment procedures and requirements.
“Applicants and recruitment agencies found to be using and submitting fraudulent medical certificates shall be subjected to the corresponding administrative sanctions, as well as criminal liability,” the POEA said.
The POEA advised Filipino migrant workers to stay away from people selling the fake certificates and to report them to authorities.