DMW advances bilateral labor agreement talks with Oman

DMW advances bilateral labor agreement talks with Oman
Marita Moaje April 30, 2026 https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1274093

MANILA – The Philippines is pursuing stronger bilateral relations with the Sultanate of Oman, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said on Thursday.

“Meron kasing napipintong talks tayo ngayon toward a bilateral agreement. So, napag-usapan din yun at yung malaking posibilidad na malapit na, malapit nang magkaroon ng kumbaga ay agreement, bilateral agreement with Oman (We have impending talks now toward a bilateral agreement. So, that was also discussed and the great possibility that soon to have what you call an agreement, a bilateral agreement with Oman),” Cacdac said in an interview upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 following an official mission in Muscat.

He, however, did not give more details, adding that a proper announcement will be made soon.

Cacdac said he met with Oman Labor Minister Mahad bin Said bin Ali Baawain, together with Philippine Ambassador to Oman Noralyn Jubaira Baja and other Philippine officials, during his visit from April 27 to 30.

During the meeting, Cacdac said discussions on Filipino worker protection and seafarer welfare were also held.

“Ang layon ko naman doon ay patuloy na ipahatid sa kanila yung pasasalamat natin sa Sultanate of Oman, His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, sa tulong na binibigay sa ating mga OFW (My aim there is to continuously convey our gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman, His Majesty the Sultan of Oman, for the assistance given to our OFWs),” he said.

Cacdac underscored the important role of the Sultanate of Oman in assisting in the release of Filipino seafarers previously held in high-risk incidents, including 17 crew members of Galaxy Leader and nine from Eternity Sea, who were freed in January and December 2025, respectively.

He noted that the Philippine government continues to recognize Oman’s assistance in securing their release.

He also expressed the Philippine government's solidarity with Oman amid ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East, stressing shared concerns over regional stability and migrant worker protection.

In a separate event, Cacdac met with over 100 Filipino community leaders in Oman, where he said the situation of OFWs remains generally stable despite sectoral pressures, particularly in the hospitality sector.

He noted that a number of these affected workers are seeking financial assistance from the Philippine government after their work was disrupted by ongoing regional tensions in the Middle East.

He also met with recruitment agencies to discuss the OFW welfare, noting that 80 percent of nearly 50,000 OFWs in Oman are domestic workers.

Cacdac also reported that recruitment agencies in Oman have begun voluntary measures to improve labor standards, including a commitment by 25 agencies to provide a minimum monthly salary of USD500 for incoming domestic workers. (PNA)