The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announces employment opportunities in the Republic of Austria with the signing of an agreement governing the recruitment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers in the healthcare, information technology, tourism, and hospitality sectors.
DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo J. Cacdac, together with State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Labor and Economy (BMAW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will provide employment opportunities for Filipinos while addressing Austria’s shortage of skilled workers.
“Through this agreement, we aim to facilitate the deployment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers to Austria in a manner that is safe, ethical, sustainable, and mutually beneficial. Our workers, in return, will contribute to addressing labor shortage in Austria and to sharing their expertise and commitment to the economic development of Austria,” Cacdac said.
Under the agreement around 500 Filipino workers will be deployed annually to meet the Austria’s demand of around 75,000 to 200,000 job openings across all industries, including sectors of healthcare, construction and engineering, information technology, and tourism and hospitality.
“Austria is focusing on attracting skilled workers abroad. The Philippines is the first country which Austria has entered into a memorandum of understanding with that covers all areas of mutual cooperation on recruitment and vocational training. Austria has many decades of excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines, and we are truly grateful for the reliable support,” said BMAW State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler.
Cacdac added the partnership reaffirms the long-standing friendship, cooperation and mutual respect between the Philippines and Austria, particularly in the field of labor and employment.
The MOU ensures strengthened protection of the rights and welfare of Filipino migrant workers, and support while they undergo skills assessment, education, and equivalence training and licensing in Austria.
The DMW and BMAW also agreed to develop a work-based vocational training framework and other technical capacity-building initiatives to upgrade the skills and expertise of Filipino workers.
Both the Philippines and Austria also vowed to closely work together in combatting illegal recruitment and human trafficking, as well as ensure adequate access to legal assistance and social protection for OFWs.
Per CY 2022 data of the DMW, there are around 5,824 OFWs in Austria with around 1,220 of these workers in the hospitality and food service category and 749 in the health and social work service sector.
In summary, the MOU between the DMW and BMAW represents a pivotal step towards strengthening the labor cooperation between the Philippines and Austria, fostering mutual growth, and ensuring the protection and empowerment of Filipino migrant workers. Through strategic collaboration, capacity building, and shared commitment, both nations are poised to forge a prosperous and resilient partnership in the realm of labor and employment.