The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) disclosed that it is now discussing with Saudi Arabia the possibility of a joint special hiring program for Filipinos.
DMW Secretary Susan Toots Ople made the announcement on a press briefing on Friday, May 26.
Ople said that the special hiring program was raised due to Saudi Arabia’s push to develop its tourism sector.
“We discussed the possibility of the Philippines and Saudi Arabia having a joint special hiring program for skilled Filipino workers because they are expecting a huge demand, especially for their tourism sector. They are embarking on expansion plans, and they want to attract more tourists to Saudi Arabia,” the DMW chief said.
“We said that perhaps if they give us the numbers and the profile of workers needed, then we will continue to discuss if there is a need for the DMW to work closely with TESDA and other institutions and to put together a special hiring program just to meet the demands and requests of Saudi employers for skilled workers as well as the Saudi government,” she added.
Ople also said that Saudi Arabia is interested in investing in the Philippines.
“I also met with the Minister of Investment, and he echoed the same thing. Sabi nga niya he would also like to explore the possibility of bringing Saudi investments to the Philippines, facilitating Saudi investments in the Philippines, and looking at tourism opportunities parang exchanges for both countries,” she said.
