ASEAN adopts declaration on fair, ethical recruitment of migrant workers

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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Sunday adopted a declaration promoting the fair, ethical and sustainable recruitment of migrant workers across the region.

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the declaration would benefit about 600,000 migrant workers across ASEAN member states.

"With this declaration, magkakaroon ng greater transparency and accountability, mas malinaw, mas tapat at mas may pananagutan ang mga stakeholders, lalo sa larangan ng recruitment and placement ng migrant workers across ASEAN member states," Cacdac said during a press briefing.

(With this declaration, there will be greater transparency and accountability, with stakeholders becoming clearer, more honest and more accountable, particularly in the recruitment and placement of migrant workers across ASEAN member states.)

He said the declaration prohibits excessive or unreasonable recruitment fees and strengthens policies and regulations governing recruitment and manning agencies.

Cacdac added that ASEAN member states would coordinate to ensure safe and ethical recruitment practices, as well as cooperation in the rescue and repatriation of migrant workers and the possible apprehension of those involved in recruitment-related violations.

DMW Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara said the agency was preparing the necessary paperwork following the adoption of the declaration.

"Mayroon po kaming inaayos na paperwork. Sana pagkatapos nitong adoption by the end of November mayroon na tayong capacity training seminar," Alcantara said.

The initial implementation of the declaration could begin in early 2027, he added.

"So the soonest that we can have as an initial implementation of the declaration, following the declaration would probably be early 2027," Alcantara said.— MCG, GMA News

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