In a high-level meeting demonstrating the robust diplomatic ties between Manila and Abu Dhabi, the Republic of the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially reaffirmed their mutual commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) across the Emirates.
The meeting featured H.E. Abdulrahman Al Awar, UAE Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation; Hon. Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Philippine Migrant Workers Secretary; and H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE. Together, the officials underscored a shared vision for a labor environment rooted in dignity, justice, and bilateral cooperation.
Secretary Cacdac expressed the Philippine government’s “deep appreciation” for the UAE’s progressive approach to labor governance. He highlighted the UAE’s role as a cornerstone partner in the Middle East, citing the country’s efforts to implement reforms that ensure safe, fair, and humane working conditions for the hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who call the UAE their second home.
“The welfare of our OFWs remains a top priority for the Marcos administration,” Secretary Cacdac stated. “Our collaboration with the UAE serves as a model for how labor-sending and labor-receiving nations can work in synergy to protect the rights of the global workforce.”
The discussions focused on several critical areas of cooperation:
Rights-Based Protections: Strengthening legal frameworks to prevent labor exploitation and ensure timely resolution of grievances.
Skill Alignment: Enhancing programs for skill recognition to empower Filipino professionals contributing to the UAE’s diverse economy.
Welfare Services: Improving access to social and psychological support services for workers in various sectors.
Both nations are now looking toward the upcoming Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), a premier consultative platform for labor migration in Asia. The Philippines and the UAE intend to leverage this forum to champion regional cooperation, pushing for innovative policies that address the evolving challenges of the digital economy and climate-induced migration.
By aligning their strategies ahead of the ADD, both governments aim to lead the charge in fostering a more transparent and secure labor migration corridor in the Gulf region.
