The Philippines and Denmark have taken a key step toward establishing a labor cooperation framework that will enable the ethical recruitment and deployment of Filipino health and care workers to the European country.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Denmark’s Ministry for Senior Citizens initiated and formally exchanged draft texts of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the education, training, and recruitment of Filipino health and care professionals on December 11 in Manila. The exchange was held during the official visit of Danish Minister for Senior Citizens Mette Kierkgaard.
The proposed MOU will launch a pilot deployment program for Social and Health Care Helpers in elderly care to address Denmark’s growing demand for care workers while ensuring safeguards for Filipino migrants. The cooperation may later expand to include Assistants and Nurses.
Under the government-to-government arrangement, workers will be recruited only through authorized Philippine channels and deployed under Danish labor laws and social protections. The framework requires zero placement fees and training in institutions accredited by both governments. It is anchored on the WHO Global Code on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel to avoid negative impacts on the Philippines’ own health workforce.
The agreement also incorporates workforce planning, knowledge transfer, and circular migration measures to protect the domestic health sector.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the initialing reflects both governments’ commitment to a transparent and protection-centered deployment system, adding that the goal is to ensure Filipino workers abroad receive equal rights and decent working conditions.
Both sides expressed their intent to complete the remaining requirements for the MOU’s formal signing and implementation as soon as possible.
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