The Philippines and Pakistan are exploring a joint mechanism to strengthen bilateral cooperation on labor migration, skills development and migrant worker protection, as the two countries acknowledge the value of sharing experiences in managing labor migration.
This followed Thursday’s meeting between Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and Pakistan Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain on the sidelines of the Budapest Process Thematic Working Group Meeting on Legal Pathways for Migration in Islamabad, according to a DMW social media post on Friday.
The DMW said the meeting offered both the Philippines and Pakistan an opportunity to explore areas of common interest and identify practical avenues for stronger institutional cooperation.
“The two officials underscored the importance of ensuring that migration pathways are not only accessible and responsive to labor market needs but also fair, ethical, safe, orderly and sustainable, with the rights and welfare of migrant workers firmly at the center,” the DMW said.
During the meeting, Hussain proposed creating a Joint Working Committee to give the two countries a regular platform to discuss labor migration concerns, share best practices and develop joint initiatives.
Cacdac welcomed the proposal, which could cover cooperation in migrant worker protection, skills development, social protection and welfare services.
The two officials also emphasized the need for migration pathways that are responsive to labor market needs while ensuring that migrant workers are treated fairly and protected throughout the migration process.
Cacdac also 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 as chair of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue for 2026-2028. (PNA)
