Middle East Consultants Suspended again

This might be the eighth time the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, is suspending Middle East Consultants. Nevertheless, it has been suspended.

Now, according to a statement signed by Mr. James Ebitu, the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development; Middle East Consultants and four other labour recruitment companies, have been  suspended over charging of illegal registration and placement fees.

Mr. Ebitu states that on 4th February, 2020; responded to a number of complaints, regarding the unscrupulous action of charging of illegal registration and placement fees by licensed recruitment agencies.

Ebitu explained that registration 29 (1) of the employment (recruitment of Uganda migrant workers abroad) regulations, 2005 limits the changeable administration fees to fifty thousand shillings (UGX 50,000) only. That regulation 29 (2) provides that any further placement fees must be approved by the administration, which is the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

The Permanent Secretary explained that he had written to all recruitment companies; giving them two weeks to refund the said fees by 17th February, 2020. He said that the ministry also warned them that failure to do so would lead to immediate suspension of a company’s license.

Unfortunately, Ebitu said, a number of companies did not comply with the said directive, and have failed to pay back the monies.  As of midnight 17th February, 2020; the following five (5) companies had not complied. They are: Middle East Consultants

Elite Placement Consulting

Eagle Supervision

Elite Winners Agency

Sportlight International

High Ground International Ltd.

Consequently, Ebitu said, the above companies have been suspended, and have been directed to desist from any acts of labour externalization  as from 18th February, 2020. He cautioned that anyone dealing with them does so at his/her own risk.

Surprisingly, Middle East Consultants, last week, sent several adverts on social media, claiming to give free passports.  This is part of their usual tricks they have been using to snare gullible migrant workers.