In this month's news, DMW and DOT have collaborated on the "Balik Bayani sa Turismo" program, aiming to support returning OFWs by providing free tourism-related skills training and business opportunities in the Philippines, including culinary tourism and tour guiding. Moreover, the Philippines and Germany have signed a declaration of intent to enhance cooperation in skills development, recruitment, and employment of skilled Filipino workers, focusing on technical professions such as electrical engineering. In addition, the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines has announced the availability of thousands of job opportunities for foreign workers, particularly Filipinos, once Alert Level 2 restrictions are lifted. These jobs, including caregiving, hotel, agriculture, and construction sectors, offer employment prospects for Filipinos affected by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, providing a significant source of income amidst challenging circumstances.

Feb 08, 2024

The journey of a migrant worker is rarely easy. Leaving loved ones behind, adapting to a new culture, and navigating unfamiliar environments can be daunting, especially when an individual feels unprepared. Recognizing this gap, the Fair Training Center (FTC) emerged to transform and professionalize domestic worker training.

Feb 08, 2024

In this month's news, MARINA launches a 2024 campaign, "Charting a Clean Course, Safely Sailing Together," focusing on responsible leadership, sustainable practices, and inclusive development in the maritime sector. Administrator Sonia Malaluan aims for a corruption-free, competent, and disciplined administration, emphasizing integrity and professionalism among staff. Meanwhile, the International Bargaining Forum has designated the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait as "high-risk areas," aiming to bolster protection for Filipino seafarers navigating these routes. This designation offers seafarers entitlements like the right to refuse sailing, increased compensation for death or disability, and wage bonuses. Finally, the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, in its reconciled version approved by the Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee, excludes the controversial escrow provision. However, it mandates seafarers who win cases with the NLRC or NCMB to file a bond before receiving their awards.

Jan 09, 2024

In this month's news, the DMW eyes Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and the Czech Republic as potential new markets due to high demand for Filipino workers, with Austria potentially seeking 200,000, Hungary around 10,000 to 20,000, and Croatia and the Czech Republic considering hiring 5,000 to 10,000. They'll also continue sending workers to traditional destinations like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Aside from this, Thousands of Filipino workers in Taiwan and Hong Kong will benefit from wage hikes starting January 1, 2024. In Taiwan, factory workers will see a 4.05% increase in monthly minimum salary and hourly wages. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's foreign domestic helpers will have a higher minimum wage and increased food allowance, applicable to new contracts after September 30, 2023. Furthermore, the DMW also issued 17% more overseas employment certificates, notably 608,000 for sea-based workers, a first-time high. Economic recovery from COVID-19 contributed to this surge.

Jan 09, 2024

In this month's news, various government agencies and maritime industry associations including DOTr , DOE, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Lighterage Association of the Philippines, and the Shipyard Association of the Philippines signed a manifesto pledging to prioritize maritime safety, protect the marine environment, and build a robust and sustainable maritime industry. Key areas of focus include improving navigational safety, modernizing maritime infrastructure, supporting the welfare and training of maritime professionals, ensuring good governance, and strengthening support systems. Moreover, SEC partners with DMW, Maya Bank, other fintech firms for its financial literacy campaign to protect OFWs from scams and to ensure that they have access to legitimate investment opportunities in the market. Meanwhile, DMW and 16 LGUs in Palawan collaborate for pre-employment seminars, aiming to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking. This focuses on educating OFWs about risks, benefits, and legal avenues for overseas employment.

Dec 05, 2023

In this month's news, DMW signed an MOU for 500 OFWs annually to fill Austria's job gaps in various sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and hospitality. This mutual cooperation aims for ethical and sustainable deployment, emphasizing Filipino workers' contributions to Austria's labor shortage and economic growth. Moreover, discussions between Germany and the Philippines are ongoing or a deal to streamline recruitment of Filipino professionals in Germany, expanding beyond healthcare. Meanwhile, DMW and 16 LGUs in Palawan collaborate for pre-employment seminars, aiming to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking. This focuses on educating OFWs about risks, benefits, and legal avenues for overseas employment.

Dec 05, 2023

Saudi Arabia stands out as an extraordinary destination for Filipinos seeking overseas employment. With the highest number of Filipinos working in the country compared to anywhere else globally, it's essential to explore the reasons why Saudi Arabia offers a smart choice for OFWs, particularly for our kababayans in the nursing and health/beauty/personal care industries. Let’s explore the experiences and the promising opportunities in the Land of the Two Holy Mosques.

Dec 05, 2023

Dreaming of a career overseas? WorkAbroad.ph opens doors to a world of possibilities, connecting aspiring Filipinos to international opportunities posted by DMW-licensed recruitment agencies. Here's a step-by-step guide to navigate your way through this platform and land your ideal job abroad.

Dec 04, 2023

Navigating the world of overseas job searches can be challenging, especially with the rise of recruitment scams. That's why we're excited to introduce WorkAbroad's latest feature: the 'Validate Agency Email' tool. This tool offers candidates an independent way to verify agency email addresses, empowering them to make informed decisions and navigate their job search journey with increased confidence. Similarly, it also helps to foster trust and reliability in their interactions with licensed recruitment agencies.

Nov 24, 2023

In this month's news, the Magna Carta of Seafarers has gained momentum in Congress, promising improved working conditions and a seafarer-centric approach for Filipino sailors, backed by the Department of Migrant Workers. Meanwhile, the maritime sector witnesses a transformative shift as women break stereotypes and demand equal opportunities in the industry, challenging misconceptions about their capabilities. Meanwhile, in the fight against online scammers targeting OFWs, Senator Raffy Tulfo calls for a comprehensive campaign, proposing financial literacy training programs to safeguard the hard-earned money of OFWs and addressing broader concerns in the sector.

Nov 10, 2023