Seoul – Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis T. Cruz reiterated the Philippine Embassy's warning to Filipinos against agencies that act as a front for mail-order brides amidst reports that the South Korean Government is also set to crack down on interracial matchmaking agencies that violate local laws and use deceptive advertising.
The Philippine Embassy reminds the public of Philippine Republic Act 6955 or the Anti-Mail-Order Bride Law, which makes it illegal for a "person, natural or juridical, association, club or any other entity" to "establish or carry on a business which has for its purpose the matching of Filipino women for marriage to foreign nationals either on a mail-order basis or through personal introduction."
The law also makes it illegal for anyone "to advertise, publish, print or distribute or cause the advertisement, publication, printing or distribution of any brochure, flier, or any propaganda material calculated to promote the prohibited acts" earlier mentioned. Further amendments included its applicability to mail-order bride schemes using "mails or websites in the Internet."
While matchmaking agencies are considered legal in South Korea, Korean law requires these agencies to be registered and to be aware of issues concerning interracial marriages and ethics. Amb. Cruz notes that many Filipinos enter South Korea through marriages arranged through these matchmakers. Many are lured by promises of work or a better life.
As of January 31, 2008, approximately 5,000 Filipinos married to South Koreans reside in the peninsula, some of whom met through matchmaking agencies.
The law also makes it illegal for anyone "to advertise, publish, print or distribute or cause the advertisement, publication, printing or distribution of any brochure, flier, or any propaganda material calculated to promote the prohibited acts" earlier mentioned. Further amendments included its applicability to mail-order bride schemes using "mails or websites in the Internet."
While matchmaking agencies are considered legal in South Korea, Korean law requires these agencies to be registered and to be aware of issues concerning interracial marriages and ethics. Amb. Cruz notes that many Filipinos enter South Korea through marriages arranged through these matchmakers. Many are lured by promises of work or a better life.
As of January 31, 2008, approximately 5,000 Filipinos married to South Koreans reside in the peninsula, some of whom met through matchmaking agencies.
