The Philippines and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Executive Bureau have launched a landmark cross-regional dialogue platform aimed at strengthening social protection for millions of migrant workers across the Asia-GCC labor corridor.
The initiative was unveiled on the sidelines of the 114th International Labor Conference in Geneva and is supported by the International Labor Organization’s Strengthening Social Protection and Human Rights for Migrant Workers (STREAM) Program.
The platform establishes a regular mechanism to bridge policy gaps, enhance mutual understanding, strengthen cross-border coordination, and ensure the portability of social security benefits and rights for migrant workers.
As a global leader in labor migration governance, the Philippines will co-chair the platform with the GCC Executive Bureau, creating a unique framework that promotes shared responsibility between labor-sending and labor-receiving countries.
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who led the Philippine delegation, stressed the need for stronger international cooperation to safeguard migrant workers.
“While national frameworks provide initial safety nets, a unified, cross-border approach is essential to fully ensure the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers and other migrant workers,” Cacdac said.
Deputy Director of the International Labor Organization’s Social Protection Department Valerie Schmitt welcomed the joint leadership of origin and destination countries, saying it sends a strong message that effective social protection can only be achieved through genuine partnership and shared responsibility.
Backed by the STREAM Program, the platform will initially focus on structured technical exchanges and is expected to serve as a global model for improving social protection systems for migrant workers worldwide.
