DMW Shuts Down Five Firms Over Alleged Illegal Recruitment for Australia Jobs

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of five companies, including Ausphin International Institute, for allegedly engaging in illegal recruitment of Filipino workers for hospitality roles in Australia. These firms are accused of operating without the necessary licenses and charging substantial fees for promised employment.

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The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has ordered the closure of five companies, including AUSPHIN PTY LTD/AUSPHIN GROUP and its affiliated entities, over allegations of illegal recruitment. These firms are accused of conducting unauthorized recruitment activities for Filipino workers seeking employment in Australia, prompting DMW to issue Closure Order Nos. 44 to 48, Series of 2026, as reported by the Daily Tribune.

Among the entities shut down is Ausphin International Institute of Culinary Arts and Business Management in Baguio City, which DMW Migrant Workers Protection Bureau head Rommel Abbang confirmed was operating without a recruitment license. The companies allegedly promised Filipino applicants roles as chefs, cooks, and other hospitality and tourism positions in Australia, with touted monthly salaries ranging from PHP200,000 to PHP250,000.

An investigation by the Migrant Workers Protection Bureau revealed that applicants were reportedly asked to pay substantial amounts. This included PHP270,000 for a one-year culinary training program and PHP56,000 for materials. Additionally, applicants allegedly faced charges of AU$2,200, equivalent to about PHP95,000, on top of other visa-related expenses, according to the Philippine News Agency.

The DMW's findings, based on multiple surveillance operations, led to recommendations for legal action against individuals involved and the inclusion of their names in the DMW List of Persons and Entities with Derogatory Records. The agency will also recommend the cancellation of the companies' business permits in Baguio and Pasig city governments and seek revocation of their registrations with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Potential victims of these alleged illegal recruitment schemes are urged to contact the DMW Anti-Illegal Recruitment and Trafficking in Persons unit for assistance.