Philippines set to ink deal with Oman on OFW safeguards, recruitment

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The Philippines and Oman are preparing to sign an agreement formalizing stronger safeguards for the estimated 50,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the sultanate.

This developed following a recent meeting between Philippine and Omani officials, who both highlighted the need to come up with an accord that would provide a guiding framework on ethical recruitment and promote transparency.

"By forging digital partnerships with host countries like Oman, we can make recruitment faster, more transparent, and more worker-friendly," Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

"Tech solutions can ensure every step is secure, accountable, and focused on protecting OFWs," he added.

The proposed agreement, which will also be featured in the International Labor Organization (ILO), include worker assistance hotlines, provisions for end-of-service benefits, and the establishment of a Social Protection Fund, all of which were brought forward by Oman.

The Philippines, for its part, stressed continued support from Omani authorities in urging employers to provide improved compensation packages and incentives for Filipino domestic workers, as well as fair hiring practices.

Migrant Workers Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. and His Excellency Khalid Salim Al Ghammari, Undersecretary of Oman's Ministry of Labor, earlier met in Oman regarding the deal.

The meeting also included Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja, head of the Philippine mission to Oman, Vice Consul April Casquejo, Assistant Migrant Workers Secretary Violeta Illescas, Oman-based Labor Attaché Alice Visperas, and Naomi Velasquez, who serves as an official of the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Oman.

The meeting tackled the creation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on labor cooperation, setting clearer mechanisms for worker protection, and establishing more structured migration pathways between the two countries.

Plans were discussed for the eventual signing of the MOU and the formation of a joint technical working group tasked with finalizing its provisions, officials said.

Bilateral labor ties

The meeting was an offshoot of talks held between Cacdac and Oman Labor Minister Mahad bin Saeed Baawain during the Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD) in Dubai early this month in Dubai, where the Philippines and Oman reiterated their intent to strengthen bilateral labor ties.

Cacdac will head the ninth edition of the ADD until next year. Baawain was his predecessor in the dialogue.

Filipino professionals work as engineers, teachers, nurses, and in skilled, semi-skilled, and domestic service positions. They have been contributing up to $340 million in annual remittance inflows to the Philippines.

Baawain has reaffirmed Oman's intent to welcome more Filipino professionals into its workforce, citing demand for domestic workers, skilled technicians, port staff, and other roles. — VDV, GMA Integrated News