Manila, Philippines – 39 overseas Filipino Workers from Lagos, Nigeria have been successfully and safely repatriated back to the Philippines on Monday, the Department of Migrant Workers reported.
These OFWs were among those arrested in Nigeria following a nationwide raid in December 2024 against cryptocurrency and love scam operations.
Investigations confirmed that these Filipinos were victims of human trafficking.
These OFWs were promised legitimate jobs as customer service representatives in a 6-month contract, with USD 1000 salary including free board and lodging.
They were later forced into cyberscams. subjected to threats, passports withheld, and under exploitative working conditions.
With the assistance of the Philippine Embassy in Abuja and of the Honorary Consulate in Lagos, the OFWs were able to appeal for their release.
Following the repatriation, DMW and the national government assured to provide them all necessary assistance as they settle in the Philippines.
The agency also warned OFWs and jobseekers to be alert and vigilant against illegal recruitment and human trafficking schemes targeting workers.
Meanwhile, a young Filipina supposedly with the group remained in Nigeria, and will be repatriated as soon as she recovers from giving birth.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News