Mandaluyong city: The Philippines and Botswana are advancing their bilateral cooperation to enhance the protection of migrant workers, as both nations explore measures such as worker orientation, welfare assistance, emergency response, repatriation, and the safe return of workers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced that discussions on improving cooperation on labor migration and skills development for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) took place with Botswana Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe during a courtesy call at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday.

Cacdac emphasized the commitment to promoting fair, ethical, and sustainable labor migration, which includes responsible recruitment practices, social protection access, and opportunities for upskilling and reskilling workers. During the meeting, both countries reiterated their dedication to ongoing dialogue and knowledge exchange to strengthen labor systems benefiting OFWs.

The discussions focused on ensuring migrant workers have access to protection and support throughout their employment abroad. Cacdac stated that the Philippines would continue collaborating with Botswana to advocate for fair, ethical, and sustainable labor migration, including responsible recruitment and social protection access.

Both countries also pledged to explore practical cooperation in worker orientation and welfare assistance, emergency response mechanisms for migrant workers, and repatriation measures to ensure safe and dignified returns to home countries.

In addition to immediate worker assistance, the Philippines and Botswana agreed to maintain open communication and pursue technology-enabled engagements for knowledge-sharing on migrant labor and worker welfare.