The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh held high-level discussions yesterday, paving the way for a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labor migration management aimed at strengthening migrant worker welfare and promoting fair employment standards.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, joined by Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul Jr. and Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara, formally welcomed Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Dr. Mohammad Nazrul Islam and his delegation during a courtesy call at the DMW Central Office.
The central focus of the meeting was the comprehensive MOU, which seeks to formalize cooperation between the two nations across several critical areas: ethical recruitment processes, joint skills development, digitalization of services, and robust reintegration programs for returning workers. Both parties also shared updates on collaborative initiatives with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and discussed immediate reforms, including establishing fair salary standards and providing incentives for employers who demonstrate compliance.
Secretary Cacdac and Secretary Islam reaffirmed their long-standing shared dedication to protecting the rights of migrant workers and ensuring the provision of decent work. Both countries noted their aligned partnership since the formation of the regional consultative Colombo Process in 2003, underscoring a mutual commitment to transparent recruitment practices and stronger protection systems for all migrant workers.
“The Philippines and Bangladesh have a shared history in protecting our global workers,” said Secretary Cacdac. “This MOU marks a crucial step forward in formalizing our collective commitment to not just send workers, but to ensure they are equipped, protected, and treated with dignity throughout their employment lifecycle. We look forward to finalizing this agreement soon.”
