If things go as planned, Russia may soon become the next ‘hot spot’ for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
According to a recent statement by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Philippines is eyeing Russia as a new destination for skilled and professional OFWs. The government pointed out that said country is a good alternative for many OFWs who are looking for overseas employment opportunities that offer good salaries.
Silvestre Bello III, Secretary of DOLE, emphasized that President Rodrigo Duterte will further discuss labor relations when he meets with President Vladimir Putin of Russia early next year.
“I already sent a memo to the President requesting him to include the possible deployment of skilled and professional workers to Russia,” pointed out Bello.
Currently, there is a huge demand for construction and household service workers in Russia, Bello said, and this could be a great opportunity for Filipino job seekers. Besides, the Philippines is on the lookout for alternative countries for OFWs because of the oil price decline in the Middle East.
“We noticed that there is a decline in the demand for OFWs in the Middle East. We have to look for other countries where there are demands for our OFWs,” commented Bello.
A report also tells us that in 2014, Russia had only about 4,000 overseas Filipino workers in their country working in construction, hotels, and households.
If the 2017 meeting between Duterte and Putin proves fruitful, then this means that those numbers will immediately increase in the following years. OFWs will then officially have a new option to consider whenever they seek out employment opportunities abroad.
Since he took office this year, President Duterte has been publicly vocal about his intentions to forge alliances with both Russia and China, two countries that have been at odds with the Philippines for many years.
via : sunstar