Metro Manila, Philippines — The Philippines and Qatar have laid down concrete plans to protect the welfare and interest of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Gulf state.

In a joint declaration, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Qatar’s Ministry of Labor reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the rights and welfare of OFWs.

The statement was signed by DMW Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan and Qatar Ministry of Labour Assistant Undersecretary Sheika Najha Abdulrahman Al Thani during the 5th Philippines-Qatar Joint Committee Meeting on Aug. 7 in Pasay City.

DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac noted the strong bilateral relationship in promoting safe and fair labor migration, while expressing gratitude to Qatar for efforts to protect the well-being of Filipino workers.

DMW said Qatar has shown interest in recruiting more skilled Filipino professionals such as nurses, architects, and engineers. Both sides agreed to collaborate on facilitating the deployment of OFWs under improved terms, including enhanced monitoring processes.

“Both parties will introduce measures to prevent the charging of placement fees, in consultation with relevant stakeholders,” the agency said.

The Philippines and Qatar are also considering the introduction of a standardized employment contract for both domestic and skilled Filipino workers.

This contract is expected to include better working conditions, higher end-of-service benefits compared to other countries, access to medical and social care, and adequate accommodation that respects the cultural and religious needs of workers.

The two countries plan to refine the system for blacklisting and whitelisting recruitment agencies, both local and foreign, to make sure ethical recruitment practices are observed.

The DMW, along with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Qatar’s Ministry of Labour, also agreed to work together on enhancing pre-departure and post-arrival seminars tailored to the needs of both workers and employers.