PH opens migrant workers offices in Austria, Hungary 

The Philippine government has opened migrant workers offices (MWO) in Vienna, Austria and in Budapest, Hungary as more Filipinos work in Central Europe. 

There are around 8,000 OFWs in Austria and an estimate of 12,000 Filipinos in Hungary, the DMW said.  In the past, they were assisted by the MWO in Milan, Italy. 

“The presence of MWOs will ensure timely delivery of assistance and services to overseas workers,” said Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac in a statement. 

Aside from legal and labor assistance, the DMW said the new offices will “also facilitate partnerships with local businesses to create more job opportunities for Filipinos in a safe, orderly, and ethical manner.” 

The newly-opened MWO in Vienna will also cover around 12,000 OFWs in Croatia, Slovenia, and Slovakia. Meanwhile, the MWO in Budapest will serve 5,373 workers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Moldova, and Montenegro. 

Most of the OFWs in central Europe work in the hospitality, food service, health, manufacturing, and agriculture industries, the DMW said. 

The department added that it is also planning to establish MWOs in Bangkok, Thailand and in Agana, Guam. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News