UAE, Philippines reaffirm commitment to protect Filipino workers

Dubai: The UAE and the Philippines have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the welfare and rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Emirates, reinforcing a long-standing partnership built on trust and cooperation.

Senior officials from both countries have emphasised the importance of ensuring protection for OFWs, who form a vital part of the UAE’s diverse workforce.

During a meeting on April 2, Dr. Abdulrahman Abdulmannan Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) secretary Hans Cacdac, and Philippine ambassador to the UAE Alfonso Ver have highlighted the strength of bilateral relations, noting that both countries continue to work closely to promote policies and initiatives that protect workers’ rights while supporting economic growth in both nations.

“The Philippine government expressed its deep appreciation for the UAE’s continued support for OFWs, recognising the country as a key partner in ensuring safe, fair, and humane working conditions,” stated DMW.

Further, the UAE and the Philippines have been preparing for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Dialogue (ADD), a consultative platform that brings together labour-sending and labour-receiving countries.

“Both nations also look ahead to the upcoming Abu Dhabi Dialogue, where they aim to further enhance regional cooperation on labor migration and worker protection,” said DMW.

Last February, Oman has passed the chairmanship of the ADD to the Philippines. The upcoming ninth edition for 2026 to 2027, is set to centre on artificial intelligence and digitalisation to develop workers’ skills and ensure smarter governance of labour mobility in the Asia-GCC corridor. 

As the UAE remains one of the top destinations for OFWs, both governments have reiterated their commitment to deepening collaboration to ensure that workers continue to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.