Hungary and Austria have expressed a keen interest in hiring thousands of skilled Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) of the Philippines has highlighted this rising demand in a recent report.
According to the DMW, Hungary is actively seeking between 10,000 to 20,000 skilled Filipino workers. This initiative is part of Hungary’s effort to bolster its workforce in various sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality. The Hungarian labor officials have promised “world class” benefits for these workers, which notably include housing provisions.
Furthermore, the Czech Republic and Austria have agreed with the Philippines on a sustainable recruitment plan. This deal is set to facilitate the employment of 5,000 to 10,000 skilled Filipino workers, predominantly in healthcare. In a reciprocal arrangement, these countries will offer scholarships to Filipino students, aiming to maintain a steady flow of skilled workers within the Philippines.
DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation, Attorney Patricia Yvonne Caunan, emphasized the mutual benefits of these agreements. “They want to help ensure that there will be more Filipino workers, not only for Austria but also for the Philippines, hence the scholarships and training programs,” she explained.
The Italian Ambassador to the Philippines, Marco Clemente, also indicated Italy’s growing interest in Filipino workers. He mentioned the potential increase in Filipino nurses in Italy, along with opportunities in other professional sectors such as engineering.
Additionally, Germany has been accommodating Filipino non-healthcare workers under a triple-win agreement with the Philippines. This agreement is seen as beneficial not only for the workers but also for their families.
To facilitate these employment opportunities, the DMW has advised interested applicants to visit their website for a list of available job orders, marking a significant stride in international employment prospects for Filipino workers.