The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully convened a Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) today, reaffirming their commitment to securing the rights and welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and ensuring the smooth implementation of migration processes.
Held in Pasig City, the JCM served as a critical platform to strengthen the bilateral labor partnership, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to champion the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families. The discussions focused primarily on enhancing protection mechanisms and ensuring ethical recruitment practices, particularly for Filipino domestic workers.
The Philippine delegation was led by DMW Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul, Jr., while the UAE delegation was headed by H.E. Khalil Yousif Alkhoori, Undersecretary for Labour Market Operations and Emiratization.
“Our meeting today reaffirms our mutual commitment to strengthening the spirit of friendship and cooperation, and to advancing our shared goal of promoting the rights and welfare of our workers by simultaneously addressing the labor needs of both countries,” affirmed Undersecretary Rasul. “Regarding our enduring partnership, we have addressed key labor issues, enhanced labor and institutional cooperation, and created a platform for dialogue that enables both sides to promote fair and ethical recruitment and practices.”
Key Discussion Points and Reforms Highlighted in the JCM:
The Joint Committee Meeting highlighted several critical advancements aimed at streamlining migration and improving worker safeguards:
- DMW Advisory No. 25, series of 2025: Enhanced Reform Programs for Filipino Domestic Workers.
- Centralized Official Document Processing System: Establishment of a new system to expedite and ensure the integrity of the domestic worker recruitment process.
- Online Post Arrival Orientation Seminar (PAOS): Development of a new module specifically for domestic workers to ensure timely and comprehensive orientation.
- Verification of Documents: Enhanced verification process for employment documents of recruitment agencies operating under TADBEER Sponsorship.
- UAE Labor Law Updates: Review and discussion of the latest labor laws and regulations in the UAE impacting OFWs.
While reviews of certain proposed policies are ongoing, both the Philippines and the UAE are committed to continuing their close collaboration to finalize and implement fair and ethical recruitment policies that protect both workers and employers.
