The Department of Foreign Affairs has reminded the public that there are no foreign household service jobs in Iran following reports that a number of women are stranded and facing charges of illegal employment in the Muslim country.

The advisory was issued after the Philippine embassy in Tehran reported that Filipinos are being victimized by Iranian employers and unscrupulous recruiting agents promising employment in Iran as household workers.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public that the Islamic Republic of Iran does not accept foreign household service workers from any country,” the advisory said. “The public is advised to be vigilant when offered similar job offers in Iran.”

The Filipino victims reportedly enter Iran via Dubai using tourist visas, believing that their work permits will be processed upon their arrival in Iran.

Since the Iranian government does not allow foreign domestic helpers, no permit will be issued and the Filipino OFW will end up as an illegal worker, the DFA said.

Foreign nationals found working illegally in Iran faces fines of an equivalent to US$30 for each day of overstay in the country.