Pakistan, Philippines cooperate on migrant worker welfare

February 2, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and the Philippines exchanged information on social security frameworks, vocational training, and reintegration mechanisms for overseas workers, demonstrated potential avenues for cooperation to enhance migrant worker welfare.

Both sides shared details of their respective systems, emphasized benefit structures, eligibility criteria, and operational mechanisms.

H.E. Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, held talks with H.E. Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac, Secretary of the Philippine Department of Migrant Workers, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Dialogue 2026.

During the discussions, the Chairman of Pakistan’s Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) briefed the Philippine delegation on Pakistan’s social security framework, including benefit structures, disbursement mechanisms, and the institution’s financial model.

The Philippine side provided an overview of its pension and social security systems and shared insights into its comprehensive pre-departure training model for migrant workers, according to the press release.

Both delegations expressed keen interest in studying each other’s frameworks and best practices in detail.

H.E. Chaudhry Salik Hussain highlighted the role of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) in vocational skills development.

He also briefed the Philippine side on other key institutions under the Ministry, including the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment (BEOE).

The Philippine delegation also showed interest in understanding the legal and regulatory frameworks governing these organizations.

Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement and share further information on registration, training, and reintegration mechanisms for migrant workers.

They emphasized the goal of strengthening bilateral cooperation and benefiting from each other’s experiences.

Senior officials from the Pakistan and Philippines diplomatic missions in the UAE were also present during the meeting.

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