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The Philippines and Croatia have reaffirmed their commitment to closer labor cooperation and stronger protection for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through a newly signed joint statement between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Croatia’s Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy.
The signing ceremony was held on October 14, 2025, at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City, following the inaugural Joint Committee Meeting on the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Labour Market.
The Joint Statement outlines several key initiatives, including the adoption of a no placement fee policy, government-to-government (G2G) hiring for hotel workers, and streamlined processing of work permits and residence cards to enhance labor mobility. It also highlights enhanced collaboration on Pre-Departure and Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars (PDOS and PAOS), improved coordination to ensure that workers entering Croatia through third countries are properly documented and protected, and the potential deployment of Filipino healthcare workers in the future.
DMW Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul, Jr. represented the Philippines in signing the statement, while State Secretary Ivan Vidis signed on behalf of Croatia. Both officials underscored that the agreement represents a significant milestone in the growing labor partnership between the two nations, anchored on mutual respect, shared values, and the promotion of ethical recruitment practices.
Witnesses to the signing included Philippine Ambassador to Croatia H.E. Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas, P.E. (Austria), Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs H.E. Gordan Grlić Radman, and Croatian Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Nebojša Koharović.
The event coincided with the Philippines–Croatia Friendship Week Celebration, symbolizing the two countries’ deepening partnership and shared commitment to advancing safe, fair, and inclusive labor migration.
- Hector Pascua, source: Press Release from the Department of Migrant Workers/picture: Facebook
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