The Philippines and Lithuania have reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen bilateral labor cooperation for better protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and to open more job opportunities for job seekers in the Baltic state.

In a news release Tuesday, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Lithuanian Minister of National Defense H.E. Dovile Šakalienė discussed during a bilateral talk on Tuesday in Mandaluyong City the increasing demand for Filipino workers in key sectors, particularly in healthcare, maritime, transportation, construction, and food services.

He said Šakalienė reported that Lithuania is currently finalizing procedures to accommodate more Filipino workers, setting an annual labor quota of up to 25,000.

The DMW said that for this year, 79 highly skilled Filipino workers have already been deployed to Lithuania under existing arrangements.

Data from the Lithuania Migration Department states that as of Jan. 1, 2025, a total of 774 Filipino citizens had a residence permit in Lithuania, up from 487 in 2024, and 244 in 2023.

Šakalienė, meanwhile, assured Cacdac of Lithuania’s commitment to safeguard Filipino workers under Lithuanian laws, recognizing their contributions not only to the economy but also to national security and social development.

Cacdac said a joint communiqué is currently under review, with plans for high-level visits and continued dialogue in the coming months to finalize a formal labor agreement between the Philippines and Lithuania.

“We are proud to serve, protect, and uplift our modern-day heroes. Wherever Filipinos are in the world, we will reach out and ensure that their welfare is protected,” Cacdac said. (PNA)