The Philippines and Croatia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen labor relations and protect the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through a joint statement signed by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Croatia’s Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy.
The signing took place on October 14, 2025, at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City, following the 1st Joint Committee Meeting on the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Labour Market held the previous day.
The Joint Statement outlines several initiatives to enhance labor cooperation, including:
- No placement fee policy for Filipino workers
- Government-to-Government (G2G) hiring of hotel workers
- Streamlined work permits and residence cards to facilitate labor mobility
- Strengthened Pre-Departure and Post-Arrival Orientation Seminars (PDOS and PAOS)
- Improved coordination for OFWs entering Croatia via third countries to ensure proper documentation and protection
- Potential deployment of healthcare workers
Migrant Workers Undersecretary Jainal T. Rasul, Jr. signed on behalf of the Philippines, while State Secretary Ivan Vidis represented Croatia. Both officials highlighted the signing as a milestone in deepening PH–Croatia labor relations, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and commitment to ethical recruitment.
The ceremony was witnessed by Philippine Ambassador to Croatia H.E. Evangelina Lourdes A. Bernas, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Croatia’s Minister of Foreign and European Affairs H.E. Gordan Grlić Radman, and Croatia’s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Nebojša Koharović.
The signing coincided with the PH–Croatia Friendship Week Celebration, jointly hosted by both countries, symbolizing a strengthened partnership in promoting safe, fair, and inclusive labor migration.