The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is intensifying its efforts to expand job opportunities and improve protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as demand for skilled Filipino workers increases globally.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized the Philippines' active engagement with 40 labor ministers during the recent Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Philippine delegation participated in bilateral discussions with representatives from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Finland, the Bahamas, Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Libya. These talks predominantly focused on the rising demand for Filipino workers in sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and construction.
In a significant move to enhance OFW protections, the DMW and Saudi Arabia have agreed to transition from a reactive complaint-based system to a more proactive monitoring mechanism. Discussions are also underway to reclassify Filipino domestic workers tasked with caregiving responsibilities to ensure they receive improved training and better working conditions.
Secretary Cacdac emphasized the importance of these developments in safeguarding the rights and welfare of Filipino workers abroad, highlighting the need for continuous collaboration between the Philippines and destination countries to uphold labor standards and promote the well-being of OFWs.
