Islamabad: The Philippines and Pakistan are set to collaborate on a joint mechanism aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation in labor migration, skills development, and the protection of migrant workers. This initiative comes as both nations recognize the importance of sharing experiences in managing labor migration effectively.
According to Philippines News Agency, this development followed a meeting on Thursday between Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Pakistan Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Budapest Process Thematic Working Group Meeting on Legal Pathways for Migration in Islamabad.
The DMW highlighted that the meeting provided a platform for the Philippines and Pakistan to explore mutual interests and identify practical ways to enhance institutional cooperation. Both officials stressed the significance of ensuring migration pathways are not only accessible and responsive to labor market demands but are also fair, ethical, safe, orderly, and sustainable, prioritizing the rights and welfare of migrant workers.
During the discussions, Minister Hussain proposed the establishment of a Joint Working Committee. This committee would serve as a regular platform for the two countries to deliberate on labor migration issues, share best practices, and develop joint initiatives. Secretary Cacdac expressed support for this proposal, which could encompass cooperation in areas such as migrant worker protection, skills development, social protection, and welfare services.
The meeting also underscored the necessity for migration pathways that align with labor market needs while ensuring fair treatment and protection for migrant workers throughout the migration process. In addition to his engagement with Minister Hussain, Secretary Cacdac met with Marija Raus, head of the Budapest Process Secretariat, and Golda Myra Roma, senior project manager at the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
Raus conveyed ICMPD Director General Susan Raab's appreciation for the organization's interest in connecting with the Philippines, particularly as the chair of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue for 2026-2028.
