The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) proposed an P8 billion budget for 2025 during a Senate hearing, emphasizing their focus on bilateral agreements and improved safeguards for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Senator Joel Villanueva highlighted the significance of existing agreements, particularly those signed with countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. These pacts aim to protect OFWs through measures such as domestic worker protection frameworks and monitoring systems. “There will be additional safeguards put in place,” Villanueva said.
Senator Risa Hontiveros raised concerns about the sufficiency of the proposed budget to support growing personnel needs and ensure effective OFW assistance, emphasizing the importance of adequate funding for maintaining essential services.
Villanueva noted that the DMW has 48 bilateral agreements with other nations and 39 pending negotiations. Specific agreements include Saudi Arabia’s new “white-listing” system for recruitment agencies, Kuwait’s deployment safeguards, Qatar’s no-placement fee policy, and the UAE’s recruitment improvements for healthcare professionals.
To bolster OFW welfare, DMW and the Social Security System (SSS) recently signed an MOU aimed at enhancing social security benefits for OFWs, ensuring long-term support for workers abroad.
A significant focus during the hearing was the Pre-Departure and Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars (PDOS and PAOS), which prepare OFWs with cultural and language training. Villanueva confirmed that these programs enable applicants to reconsider their decisions after being informed about potential work conditions.
Hontiveros also flagged concerns about the disparity in services for distressed male OFWs, particularly regarding access to accommodations. The DMW assured that improvements would be made to support male workers facing difficulties overseas, reaffirming their commitment to monitoring and assistance for OFWs navigating legal and personal challenges abroad.
