The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE) on Thursday committed to ensure fair, ethical, and sustainable working conditions for skilled Filipino workers in Finland.
In a ceremony held at the DMW head office in Mandaluyong City, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Finland Minister Arto Olavi Sartonen signed a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) that covers the ethical and sustainable labor mobility of Filipino specialists and skilled workers.
The signing was witnessed by the Philippine Ambassador to Finland Domingo Nolasco and Finland Ambassador to the Philippines Saija Nurminen, as well as over 50 delegates from Finland’s private sector.
“This joint declaration reaffirms our shared vision for a future where labor mobility is characterized by fairness, dignity, and mutual benefit,” Cacdac said during his speech.
“This collaboration reflects our collective commitment to advancing the interests of Filipino workers and strengthening our international partnerships.”
Cacdac added the declaration aims to reinforce the long-standing bilateral relations between the Philippines and Finland, focusing on enhancing the protection and welfare of Filipino workers in the said European country while promoting fair and transparent recruitment processes.
The two officials both emphasized their shared commitment to ensuring that Filipino workers are treated with dignity and respect throughout their employment journey.
Cacdac said the signing of the declaration also reflects the DMW’s commitment to advancing the interests of Filipino workers and strengthening international partnerships.
Among the key areas of cooperation outlined in the JDI include sustainable labor mobility, rights and welfare protection of Filipino workers, addressing and combatting issues of exploitation and abuse in the international recruitment process, supporting employment opportunities for Filipino workers, and exploring the potential for a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further strengthen labor mobility frameworks.
Meanwhile, Sartonen underscored Finland’s growing need for labor due to the country’s aging population, creating gaps in the workforce that, in turn, opens opportunities for Filipino workers.
“There is a significant need for skilled workers, especially in healthcare, IT (information technology), and industrial sectors. The Philippines, along with India and Vietnam, remains one of our primary sources for labor migration, and we are committed to ensuring that these workers are treated with the same rights and pay as their Finnish counterparts,” he said.
There were around 12,770 Filipino workers employed across various sectors in Finland as of 2023.
Sartonen said these workers contribute significantly to Finland’s healthcare, technology, service, and industrial sectors.
“The agreement is set to pave the way for more diverse opportunities,” he said.
The two countries have pledged to address issues related to recruitment transparency and workers’ rights, with a particular focus on healthcare professionals.
Undersecretary Patricia Yvon Kaunan, meanwhile, said a key feature of the declaration is ensuring that Filipino healthcare workers are properly licensed to practice in Finland and that these workers have valid work visas and contracts in place before departing the Philippines.
“Our ethical recruitment framework ensures that Filipino workers go through a rigorous and regulated process to protect them from exploitation,” she said.
Meanwhile, aside from work opportunities, Sartonen also discussed the possibility of upskilling for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Finland, and of bringing their families with them.
Cacdac highlighted the importance of ethical recruitment, urging Filipino workers to ensure they use licensed recruitment agencies to avoid the risk of exploitation.
“Our message is clear, join the safe and ethical way, which means ensuring proper documentation and contracts are in place,” he said. (PNA)