PH, Czech Republic ink joint communique for Pinoy workers’ protection

PRAGUE - The Philippines and Czech Republic inked a joint communique that will elevate the cooperation between the two countries in ensuring the safe and orderly migration of Filipino workers. 

Marcos announced this development during the joint press conference with President Petr Pavel at the Prague Castle. 

"Just before this press conference, President Pavel and I witnessed the signing of the Joint Communique to establish a labor consultations mechanism between the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers and the Czech Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs,'' Marcos said.

He also acknowledged the increase in the quota of Filipinos who are working in the country.

''I took note of the Czech Republic’s announcement that it has increased its quota for Filipino workers from 5,500 per year from January 2024 to 10,300 per year starting May 2024,'' Marcos said. 

''The Philippines stands ready to cooperate with the Czech Republic in ensuring the protection of the rights and well-being of overseas Filipinos,'' he added. 

As of December 31, 2023, the number of estimated Filipinos in the country is 7,026 based on data from the Czech Ministry of Interior. 

They are in the processing industry, automotive, repairs of appliances, manufacturing, IT communications, real estate, health/wellness, and household service work. 

Marcos said he and Pavel also agreed to elevate people-to-people relations between their countries, both through tourist arrivals and student exchanges.

He said he conveyed the interest of Philippine universities in forging partnerships with Czech universities.

Further, Marcos said the two countries would explore various opportunities for future partnerships in trade and investment, agriculture, green economy and renewable energy, space and aerospace, education, tourism, defense, and cybersecurity, labor, among others.

During his visit to the Philippines in April last year, Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala vowed to help Manila's aviation sector and Filipino workers in finding employment in his country.

Fiala had said the Czech Republic has considered expanding migration for Filipino workers.

"We also highly appreciate the Philippine system of the recruiting of workers for work in other countries. Czech companies are very satisfied with Philippine citizens. We are discussing the possibilities to expand migration for work," Fiala had said.—LDF/NB, GMA Integrated News