The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) says job opportunities await Filipinos in the Czech Republic as this Central European nation expressed interest in hosting more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) because of their work ethic.
DFA Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Elena Algabre made the disclosure as President Marcos is scheduled to visit Germany and the Czech Republic from March 11 to March 15.
Algabre said the Czech Republic had doubled the yearly quota for OFWs in their country from 5,000 to 10,000 beginning in May this year.
“Starting January 2024, the quota is 5,000. The Czech [Republic], they have announced that this will be increased beginning May to 10,000 for the Filipinos only,” she said.
Algabre also said this was mainly due to the OFWs’ work ethic as well as the shortage in Europe’s workforce.
“They really appreciate the work ethic of our countrymen, and their talent and skills – so that’s one. So they do get a premium in terms of recruitment and benefits,” Algabre noted.
“They know that our skills even in our hospitable nature, in our very pleasant attitude at work – we are always smiling,” she pointed out.
The Philippines and the Czech Republic are set to sign a joint communique on the establishment of a labor consultations mechanism during President Marcos’ visit to Prague on March 14.
The arrangement aims to enhance bilateral cooperation for the safe and orderly migration of Filipino workers, and to provide higher protection of their rights and welfare.
Records showed that there are approximately 7,000 Filipinos in the Czech Republic.