Efforts to institutionalize stronger safeguards for overseas Filipino workers gained ground this week as Philippine and Omani labor officials advanced talks on a formal cooperation agreement.
During a high-level meeting held on February 18, 2026, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul Jr. conferred with His Excellency Khalid Salim Al Ghammari, Undersecretary of Oman’s Ministry of Labor, to push forward a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on labor collaboration. The discussions centered on setting clearer mechanisms for worker protection and establishing more structured migration pathways between the two countries.
The Philippine delegation, which included Ambassador to Oman Noralyn Jubaira Baja, conveyed appreciation for Oman’s continued employment of roughly 45,000 Filipinos across various sectors. Manila also recognized Muscat’s commitment to upholding safe and equitable working conditions, as well as its assistance in the humanitarian repatriation of Filipino seafarers who had been detained in Yemen.
Officials from both sides underscored the need to formalize the agreement, describing it as a framework that would reinforce ethical recruitment standards and promote transparent labor mobility. Plans were discussed for the eventual signing of the MOU and the creation of a joint technical working group tasked with finalizing its provisions.
The meeting followed earlier engagements between DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Oman’s Labor Minister Mahad Said Baawain during the Abu Dhabi Dialogue in Dubai. At that time, both governments reiterated their intent to deepen bilateral labor cooperation.
Oman’s delegation presented several existing labor safeguards, including the operation of worker assistance hotlines, provisions for end-of-service benefits, and the establishment of a Social Protection Fund. These measures, aligned with international labor benchmarks, are expected to be featured during the forthcoming International Labour Organization Convention in Geneva.
In the same talks, Philippine officials sought continued backing from Oman in urging employers to provide improved compensation packages and incentives for Filipino domestic workers, alongside sustained adherence to fair hiring practices.
Rasul was joined during the visit by Assistant Secretary Violeta Illescas, Labor Attaché Alice Visperas, Vice Consul April Casquejo, and Naomi Velasquez.
