The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is exploring opportunities to strengthen cooperation in labor migration with Timor-Leste.
During a meeting on Friday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Timor-Leste Ambassador to the Philippines Marciano Octavio Garcia Da Silva discussed “mutually beneficial labor migration opportunities,” as well as the exchange of best practices between the two countries.
Latest data from the DMW show that more than 1,500 Filipinos are legally employed in Timor-Leste, while over 4,000 are believed to be undocumented.
Most Filipino workers in Timor-Leste are employed in the construction, engineering and education sectors.
“Sharing best practices in labor migration, reintegration, and the enforcement of welfare and illegal recruitment policies will benefit migrant workers, especially Filipinos in Timor-Leste,” the DMW said Saturday.
Beyond information sharing, the department expressed interest in facilitating study visits to promote mutual understanding of existing labor systems in both countries.
The DMW said the meeting marked a positive partnership between the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ newest member.
It added that stronger cooperation between the two states would open new opportunities for Filipino workers while ensuring their protection in the host country.
PIXABAY PHOTO