The Russian government has expressed willingness to draft a bilateral labor agreement with the Philippines that will protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during his visit in Moscow, reported UNTV.
During the meeting, the two agreed to provide better protection for OFWs in Russia by drafting a labor deal.
“Sa aking hinahangaan na si Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sapagkat sinabi niya, very positive iyong answer niya and in fact, mamadaliin nila ang isang model employment contract na makakatulong sa lahat ng kababayan natin sa Russia,” Cayetano said.
Cayetano thanked the Russian government for their warm welcome towards the Philippine delegates.
Cayetano also added that the government is committed to protecting the rights of OFWs around the globe.
”Basta po sa OFWs, for Filipinos abroad anywhere, anytime, we will fight for you,” he said.
The Philippines has signed on May 12 a similar labor deal with Kuwait which seeks to protect the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Gulf state.
Under the deal, OFWs will be allowed to keep their cellphones so they could call for help in cases of emergency. They will also be allowed to have a minimum of 8 hours of sleep and ample food.
Aside from these, OFWs will be asked to have their passports deposited at the Philippine Embassy.
The Kuwaiti government has agreed to create a special unit within their police force which the Embassy can coordinate with in times of emergency calls from OFWs.
A special phone number for OFW assistance will also be set up.
