Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac met with Her Excellency Anna Ferry, Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, on January 20 to initiate discussions on a formal bilateral labor consultation mechanism.
The high-level courtesy visit, held at the DMW Central Office, focused on aligning Sweden’s growing economic needs with the Philippines’ commitment to ethical recruitment and the protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Secretary Cacdac and Ambassador Ferry explored pathways to strengthen labor relations, with a specific focus on Sweden’s labor attraction and skilling programs. A key highlight of the discussion was the potential establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism, which would serve as a formal framework for regular dialogue on labor migration and worker welfare.
“The protection and well-being of our Filipino workers remain our absolute priority,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “We welcome the opportunity to work closely with Sweden to ensure that any future employment pathways are built on the foundation of ethical recruitment and mutual respect for labor rights.”
According to data from the DMW Management and Information Services (MIS), Sweden has been a steady destination for skilled Filipino talent over the past decade.
| Category | Number of OFWs Deployed |
| Seafarers | 10,543 |
| New Land-based Hires | 401 |
| Direct Hires | 138 |
| Total Deployment | 11,082 |
The majority of these workers are engaged in professional or highly skilled sectors, reflecting Sweden’s demand for specialized expertise.
Both parties shared insights into emerging employment opportunities in Sweden, particularly as the Swedish economy prioritizes specific industries requiring international talent. Secretary Cacdac was joined by Assistant Secretaries Levinson C. Alcantara and Maria Angela Galias, as well as OIC-Director Mary Sol D. Dela Cruz. Ambassador Ferry was accompanied by Ms. Athena Cartagena, Political and Communication Officer of the Swedish Embassy.
The meeting marks a significant step forward in ensuring that the decade-long labor relationship between the two nations transitions into a more structured and protective partnership.
