Japan and Canada have expressed interest in hiring skilled Filipino workers, as revealed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines.
Recently, the DMW inaugurated the Japan Employment Facilitation Desk in Osaka and Tokyo in November. This initiative aims to streamline the process for Filipino workers seeking employment in Japan. The focus is primarily on sectors such as agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing, and caregiving.
DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation, Attorney Patricia Yvonne Caunan, emphasized the department’s efforts in facilitating these employment opportunities. She highlighted the variety of industries where Filipino workers could find placements in Japan.
In a diplomatic engagement, the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Kazujiko Koshikawa, met with Philippine President Bongbong Marcos in May 2023. Following their meeting, President Marcos announced in a press briefing the Japanese interest in increasing the employment of Filipinos in their country. This announcement underlines the strengthening of labor and diplomatic ties between Japan and the Philippines.
Understanding the language barrier challenge, the Technical Education And Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in the Philippines offers language training courses. These include English, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, and Arabic, aimed at equipping Filipino workers with essential language skills for international employment.
Furthermore, the DMW is anticipating a recruitment agreement with the government of Saskatchewan Province in Canada, expected to be signed in 2024. This agreement will further open doors for Filipino workers in Canada, marking a significant expansion of overseas employment opportunities.