PH, Finland agree on safe labor mobility for Filipino workers

The Philippines and Finland have signed a joint declaration of intent (JDI) aimed at ensuring fair, ethical, and sustainable working conditions for Filipino skilled workers in the Nordic country.

The deal was signed by Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac and Finland Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Minister Arto Olavi Sartonen at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City on Thursday.

The JDI covers cooperation on the following matters:

• Promoting sustainable labor mobility for Filipino professionals and skilled workers.
• Protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino workers, including promoting the licensure of healthcare professionals to practice their respective professions in Finland.
• Combating exploitation and abuse in the context of international recruitment.
• Supporting employment opportunities and skills deployment.
• Exploring the potential for negotiating and formalizing a Memorandum of Understanding on the mobility of Filipino specialists and skilled workers in Finland.

“This joint declaration reaffirms our shared vision for a future where labor mobility is characterized by fairness, dignity, and mutual benefit. This collaboration reflects our collective commitment to advancing the interests of Filipino workers and strengthening our international partnerships,” said Cacdac in a statement.

“I am delighted that Finland and the Philippines have agreed to establish this important framework and regular dialogue on labor mobility. This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring sustainable and fair employment practices,” said Satonen.

According to DMW, there were approximately 12,770 Filipino workers in Finland in 2023. — VBL, GMA Integrated News