The Philippines and Croatia have agreed to enhance cooperation aimed at safeguarding the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and expanding employment opportunities in the European nation.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), both countries are working on initiatives to deploy more Filipino healthcare professionals while simplifying procedures for obtaining work permits and residence cards. The partnership also seeks to improve coordination for Pre-Departure and Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars (PDOS and PAOS), ensuring that workers are well-prepared before and after deployment.
Part of the agreement also focuses on securing proper documentation and protection for Filipinos entering Croatia through third countries.
Under the pilot government-to-government hiring program, Croatia has opened 435 positions in the hospitality sector, providing more opportunities for Filipino workers.
The memorandum of cooperation was signed at the DMW headquarters in Mandaluyong City during the Philippines–Croatia Friendship Week. DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. represented the Philippines, while State Secretary Ivan Vidis signed on behalf of Croatia.
“To our partners from the Croatian government and employment sector, thank you for your trust in the Filipino workforce and for upholding fair and transparent hiring practices under our bilateral agreement,” said DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
The DMW estimates that around 12,000 Filipinos are currently employed in Croatia, Slovenia, and Slovakia, working mainly in the hospitality, construction, and service industries.
