The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) seeks to create new work destinations for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as its officials are currently working and negotiating with different executives of various countries such as Norway, Finland, and France. The negotiations with France began six months ago.

During the House briefing on the proposed 2009 budget for DOLE, Secretary

Marianito Roque informed that they target to open new markets and create employment opportunities for OFWs in non-traditional countries. Roque said that some developed countries in Europe that are previously closed to foreign workers are now opening up and wants to hire OFWs.

He particularly cited professions such as nursing, engineering, and healthcare workers as the in-demand jobs. The DOLE secretary said to the House panel, “There are now ongoing negotiations with countries to increase workers…these are new developments."

Apart from countries in Europe, South Australia is also in need of an estimated 30,000 foreign workers for their mining industries. The Philippines is also negotiating with labor officials of South Australia regarding the deployment of OFWs. According to Roque, foreign countries want to fill up their manpower shortage by hiring OFWs because of their technical and language abilities. The DOLE has been talking to Australian officials for three months now.

Other countries that offer bright employment prospects for OFWs especially healthcare workers are Norway, Finland, and Canada. Representatives from DOLE have been sent to Romania and Bulgaria to discuss labor prospects with officials there.

Roque however said that along with the increase in the demand for OFWs, the government must also create and improve measures to ensure the safety and protection of OFWs.