On February 6, 2025, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines took decisive action by closing five branches of the Hikari Japanese Learning Center Corporation due to illegal recruitment activities. The operation, led by Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, targeted the Manila branch on Leon Guinto St., Malate, as well as the main office in Panabo City, Davao Del Norte, and additional branches in Rosario, Cavite, Davao City, and General Santos City. The crackdown was a response to the center’s unauthorized job offers for positions in Japan, spanning sectors like hospitality, food processing, caregiving, agriculture, and manufacturing. Secretary Cacdac emphasized that the center was offering Japanese language courses, a prerequisite for workers under Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker Program (SSW) and Technical Internship Training Program (TITP). However, he clarified that under these programs, the cost of training should be borne by Japanese employers, not the applicants. DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia further explained that language centers are prohibited from hiring, deploying workers, or partnering with licensed recruitment agencies. Investigations revealed that students were charged PHP40,000 for language training, a practice deemed illegal. The DMW is now imposing sanctions and continuing its investigation, with potential disciplinary actions that could result in the revocation of the center’s license. Secretary Cacdac also highlighted that offering jobs in this manner constitutes illegal recruitment, a criminal offense, and encouraged affected workers to come forward for free assistance and support in filing legal complaints. The DMW has provided multiple channels for victims to report their experiences, including a dedicated hotline and email.
Philippine Authorities Close Down Hikari Japanese Learning Center for Illegal Job Offers
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