The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is working to expand further the list of no-placement fee countries for Filipinos who are applying to work abroad.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the move aims to ensure Filipino protection from being exploited financially while seeking work abroad.

“The DMW remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rights and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers. Together with the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), we continue to negotiate for the best terms for our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), ensuring they are protected by fair and ethical recruitment standards,” Caunan said.

Caunan cited the recent commitment made by Qatar as a no-placement-fee country, which she added, was a result of DMW’s meeting with its counterpart last month.

At the meeting, it was agreed upon that the employer pay principle be reinforced, ensuring no placement fees are charged to Filipino workers.

Aside from Qatar, she said, there are nine other countries included in the current list of non-placement fee labor-receiving countries.

These include the United Kingdom, Austria, The Netherlands, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Canadian provinces including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, the United States, including Guam for H2B Visa or Temporary Non-Agricultural Workers, Norway, and Israel.

Last August 31, the DMW reminded the public of the no-placement fee policy for workers to be deployed to Qatar.

DMW Advisory No. 24, Series of 2024, states that Article 33 of Qatar Law No.14 of 2004 prohibits entities licensed to recruit workers from abroad from collecting any sum for recruitment fees, expenses, or other associated costs. (Philippine News Agency)