Philippines close to finalizing OFW labor deal with Russia —Bello


A bilateral labor agreement between the Philippines and Russia nears finalization, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in a statement on Sunday.
“We are confident that the [labor deal] with Moscow will soon be finalized, in line with our commitment to provide protection and support for OFWs as we continue to see an increasing demand for our workers in that part of the world.”
Citing a report from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Germany, Bello said both countries are keen on signing the deal amid expanding demand for skilled and semi-skilled workers in Russia.
Moscow recently amended a law on employment of local skilled workers in order to accommodate foreign workers, the POLO said.
In September last year, Bello ordered the POLO in Berlin to push a labor deal with Moscow, and extend its services to OFWs in Russia.
According to Bello, 1,000 OFWs in Russia—mostly female household service workers—have registered with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).
“Their membership will also enable them to access free skills and entrepreneurship training, not to mention scholarship for their children, return and reintegration preparedness, and other programs,” he said.
Through an outreach program, the Philippine Embassy in Moscow encouraged OFWs to register or renew their respective membership with OWWA.
Next month, the Philippine embassy is set to conduct outreach mission for OFWs next, the Department of Labor and Employment said.
Labor Attaché Delmer Cruz of POLO Berlin reported that most OFWs in Russia have transferred directly from Hong Kong and Dubai. —Joviland Rita/LBG, GMA News

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