Filipino Seafarers Rescued From Abusive Employer In Fiji

Filipino Seafarers Rescued From Abusive Employer In Fiji
Associate Editor November 22, 2025 https://maritimefairtrade.org/filipino-seafarers-rescued-from-abusive-em...

In a concerning scenario, thirty-two Filipino seafarers were recently rescued and repatriated back to the Philippines after enduring severe mistreatment, contract violations, and delayed wages while working for a local shipping company in Fiji. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the crew faced issues including contract substitution and wage theft, reducing their expected monthly salary from ₱60,000 to just ₱20,000.

The workers experienced prolonged delays in receiving payment and were subjected to various forms of maltreatment during their employment. The rescue operation was conducted in collaboration with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and relevant authorities in Fiji, following instructions from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who has emphasized the necessity of protecting the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers.

Labour Attaché Antonio Mutuc Jr. played a pivotal role in coordinating these rescue efforts, visiting the affected seafarers in Fiji to facilitate their swift return to the Philippines. Upon their arrival in Manila, each seafarer was provided with ₱50,000 in financial aid from the government’s AKSYON Fund, in addition to psychosocial and reintegration support to aid their recovery and help them rebuild their lives after their ordeal.

In response to these distressing circumstances, the DMW has initiated an investigation into both the employer and the recruitment agency implicated in this case, with plans to implement disciplinary and legal actions against anyone found responsible for breaching labor and recruitment laws. The DMW has also advised Filipino workers to meticulously verify the legitimacy of recruitment agencies and employment contracts before accepting overseas offers.

This incident underscores a pressing concern regarding the safety and rights of Filipino seafarers. The DMW reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding their interests and highlighted its dedication to ensuring accountability for those who exploit or abuse them. The plight of these seafarers reflects larger issues in the global labor market, particularly for those in vulnerable positions overseas, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of regulations and support systems for foreign workers.