Philippines and South Korea Discuss Seasonal Worker Deployment Agreement

janimonow

March 2

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is in active discussions with the South Korean government to establish a formal agreement on the deployment of Filipino seasonal farm workers. This move aims to create a structured and legally binding framework between the two countries, enhancing the seasonal workers program (SWP) currently managed by the Korean Ministry of Justice and the Korean Immigration Service.

DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Cacdac highlighted the initiative as a top priority, expressing the desire for a national government-to-national government approach. This would mirror the existing agreement between the Philippines and South Korea on the employment permit system for factory workers, which has been in place since 2002.

The first group of 39 seasonal farm workers from Pampanga has already departed for South Korea, marking a significant step forward in the bilateral labor relations. However, Cacdac notes that while discussions are progressing, finalizing the agreement will take time.

The Philippines has paused the deployment of seasonal workers earlier in January, responding to concerns raised by Filipino workers in South Korea. The DMW is committed to establishing permanent guidelines to ensure the protection, fair treatment, and decent work conditions for Filipino seasonal workers abroad. These guidelines will address working hours, wages, access to justice, and the prevention of excessive recruitment fees.

With 3,353 Filipino seasonal workers in South Korea as of December 2023, the proposed agreement aims to provide a more stable and secure environment for these workers. The DMW also reminds everyone that applying for the SWP is free and warns against individuals charging recruitment fees.