The Republic of the Philippines and the UAE have made strides in enhancing their diplomatic and labor ties. The meeting, which took place in Dubai on December 1, 2023, was held alongside the COP28 Conference and marked a pivotal moment for both nations.
Key figures such as Minister Abdulrahman Al Awar from the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and Officer-in-Charge Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac from the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers, were present. They were joined by the Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Alfonso Ferdinand A. Ver.
The officials agreed to organize a Joint Committee Meeting to discuss further cooperation and development measures benefiting both countries. The focus of these discussions will revolve around managing contractual labor mobility and ensuring the protection of Filipino workers in the UAE.
A notable highlight of the meeting was the discussion of the UAE’s new savings system, which allows Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to invest their end-of-service benefits in established investment portfolios. Additionally, the UAE’s new policy on unemployment benefits was also a topic of discussion.
Minister Al Awar reassured the Filipino delegation of the UAE’s commitment to providing a favorable environment for OFWs. In response, OIC Cacdac expressed gratitude for the UAE’s continued support and pledged ongoing engagement with MOHRE for the welfare of OFWs.