PH, Germany seek cooperation on employment of skilled Filipino workers

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 12) — The Philippines and Germany have signed a joint declaration of intent to cooperate in skills development and employment of Filipino workers.

«The Philippines is ready to assist Germany in addressing its skilled labor shortage by deploying skilled Filipino workers under the applicable terms and conditions,» read the joint declaration signed on Thursday.

«On the other hand, Germany aims to cooperate and assist the Philippines in various areas of endeavor such as collaborating towards maintaining a sustainable number of Filipino workforce especially in the healthcare sector, and promoting the development and training of its human resources,» it added

The declaration was signed on the same day President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and German Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met in Malacanang.

The planned partnership seeks an ethical recruitment of Filipino workers in Germany in accordance with international laws, with the participants committing to mutually respect the rights and promote the welfare of both workers and employers.

Germany is seeking to attract more foreign skilled workers after the passage of its Skilled Migration Act in November last year, which makes it easier for those outside of the European Union to immigrate.

The declaration said the Philippines and Germany intend to «explore closer cooperation on facilitating certification and recognition of professional qualifications in Germany,»

It also affirmed that Filipino skilled workers «are accorded the same benefits, labour rights and standards as German employees.»

Filipino workers in Germany are covered by the German Social Security System, which provides insurance for health, accident, unemployment, and pension, the statement read.

The Philippine Embassy in Berlin said there were more than 30,000 Filipinos in Germany as of 2023.