MANILA — The Philippines and Oman are reinforcing their labor cooperation to ensure stronger protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced Monday, July 14.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac welcomed Omani Minister of Labor H.E. Mahad Bin Said Ali Baawain and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sayyid Sadr Bin Hamood Albusaidi, along with other Omani officials, to discuss joint efforts in promoting safe and ethical recruitment practices.

A key outcome of the meeting was the progress on a pending Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labor Cooperation, which is set to be signed by January 2026. The agreement aims to establish clear safeguards for Filipino workers in Oman, including ethical recruitment, fair employment terms, joint dispute resolution mechanisms, and regular monitoring through a bilateral Joint Committee.

“By forging digital partnerships with host countries like Oman, we can make recruitment faster, more transparent, and more worker-friendly,” Secretary Cacdac said. “Tech solutions can ensure every step is secure, accountable, and focused on protecting OFWs.”

Minister Baawain noted Oman’s interest in hiring more Filipino domestic workers, technicians, port staff, and other skilled professionals—creating new employment opportunities for OFWs.

The DMW is also expanding support across the Middle East. In Jordan alone, over 48,000 Filipinos are employed in industries such as caregiving, hospitality, beauty services, and food service.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to helping OFWs access dignified work, fair treatment, and skill development through ongoing international partnerships.