On the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the Philippines and Spain, the later is believe to be the hottest destination of skilled Filipino workers and other professionals.

The MOU was signed during the visit of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which was accompanied by outgoing Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas who signed the agreement for the Philippine government, while Minister for Labor and Immigration Jose Caldera signed for Spain.

The agreement gives way for the entry of highly-skilled Filipino workers and other professionals in large numbers.  It will also grants around 100,000 job opportunities for Filipino health care workers under a pilot project arrangement.

According to Sto. Tomas, 40 of the first batch of 100 Filipino workers have arrived in Madrid while the 60 others are expected to get there in August. Added to that, possible entry of a new batch of 60 Filipinos will be allowed by September.

Sto. Tomas also added that within the next five years, Spain would be needing one million foreign workers for their health care sector.

She also said that the President was eager to push for the entry of more Filipinos in Spain as the later noted that most number of Filipino workers here were domestic helpers as compared to other nationalities who managed to get into other sectors.

“So this will be a very good outcome of her visit here,” said Sto. Tomas.

She said that the MOU could be Spain's last bilateral labor accord with an Asian country since Madrid has tightened the controls on the entry of new foreign workers even from its fellow European Union (EU) member nations. Although, workers from foreign countries without bilateral agreements may enter Spain on an individual basis, their number is strictly limited to a maximum of five per year.

Foreign workers preferred Spain because it has one of the highest pay scales for workers in the European Union. Aside from that, they also given equal treatment and other benefits such as annual wage increase, 14^th month bonus and paid vacation. 

Meanwhile, many OFWs said the new agreement would also ensure the protection of Filipino migrant workers in Spain and open the way for more Filipinos to find jobs in this country.