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WB: Philippines’ migrant worker policies a model for other countries

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ policies for migrant workers could serve as a model for other countries, particularly in Southeast Asia, according to a report published by the World Bank.

In its report titled “Migrating to Opportunity” released Monday, the World Bank noted that the Philippines, as a sending country, has a good example of a migration system with clearly defined institutional responsibilities.

“The Philippines has a highly developed support system for migrant workers that is a model for other sending countries,” the report read.

The report noted that the Department of Labor and Employment houses several migrant-focused agencies such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency — which is responsible for managing migration — and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, which focuses on protecting migrants.

The World Bank also lauded the Philippines’ policies on recruitment such as requiring recruitment agencies to attend an orientation seminar before receiving a license.

“Good performers can be awarded publicly for their effectiveness, as in the Philippines, or even receive expedited processing of licenses or a waiver of license renewal obligations,” the report read.

The report also acknowledged the country’s good practices with orientation programs that involve local government partners and non-governmental organizations.

“The Philippines is generally lauded for its commitment to increasing the knowledge of migrant workers,” the World Bank said.

Improvements

To improve its policies on migrant workers, the Philippines is advised to continue to evaluate and improve its migration management system.

This includes oversight of recruitment agencies, programs for returned migrants and data sharing and interoperability.

The report suggested that Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar should look to the experience of the Philippines in developing institutions serving migrants.

Among Southeast Asian nations, the Philippines has the highest percentage of GDP from remittances received in 2015 with 10 percent. Other total remittances are 7 percent in Vietnam, 5 percent in Myanmar and 3 percent in Cambodia.

In 2016, remittances from overseas Filipino workers were at an all-time high $26.9 billion, a jump from $25.61 billion in 2015.

Source: http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/10/10/1747422/wb-philippines-migrant-worker-policies-model-other-countries