The Philippine government, under its executive branch, has established the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The department’s mandate revolves around the protection of rights and promoting the welfare of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
The formation of the DMW has been a crucial part of the Philippine campaign in order to create and develop a unified department dedicated to OFWs.
The DMW also serves as a bridge between the government and OFWs, providing them with necessary support and assistance for their successful integration into their host countries.
Significant Organizations that will Merge into DMW
To ensure effective functioning and consolidation of effort, certain organizations will be transferred and integrated into the DMW. These include:
- The Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), previously under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
- Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), formerly under the Office of the President.
- International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) and National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), both currently under DOLE.
- International Social Services Office (ISSO)
- National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO),
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
- Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA)
The Purpose and Advantages of the Migrant Workers Department
The DMW is tasked with addressing various challenges that Filipino migrant workers face, such as recruitment hurdles, bureaucratic red tape, and the process of repatriation. The department will provide continual support to OFWs, migrant Filipinos, and their families. This includes the establishment of a 24/7 Emergency Response and Action Unit alongside media and social media monitoring units to cater to emergency needs.
In conjunction with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the DMW will also actively partake in the investigation and prosecution of illegal recruitment and human trafficking cases.
Key Responsibilities of the Department of Migrant Workers
The DMW will be responsible for formulating and implementing policies, programs, and projects to protect and promote the welfare of migrant workers and their families. The department’s mandate also includes:
- Providing social protection services.
- Conducting studies on labor migration trends and its impact on Philippine development.
- Monitoring the execution of laws related to the recruitment, employment, deployment, and reintegration of migrant workers.
- Institutionalizing a system of accreditation for private recruitment entities.
- Facilitating pre-departure orientation seminars for potential migrant workers.
- Aiding Filipino migrant workers and their families in their return to the Philippines.
- Collaborating with other government and non-government agencies involved in labor migration programs and projects.
Video: Report by UNTV about DMW Office
Check out this video news report by UNTV! It’s all about the creation and functions of the DMW Office in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the Department of Migrant Workers is slated to start operations by 2023. The goal? To provide better services and protection for our overseas workers.
FAQs
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions concerning the Department of Migrant Workers:
- What is the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)?
The DMW is a department under the executive branch of the Philippine government, focused on safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.
- When will the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) commence operations?
The DMW will start its operations from the year 2023. Filipinos can avail the services at their dedicated MWO offices abroad.
- Who stands to benefit from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) bill?
The DMW bill aims to support OFWs, migrant Filipinos, and their families needing emergency assistance.
4. What organizations will be merged into the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)?
Several organizations will be integrated into the DMW, including the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), Commission on Filipino Overseas (CFO), International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB), National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP), International Social Services Office (ISSO), National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO), and the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers’ Affairs (OUMWA).
5. What are the main responsibilities of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)?
Key responsibilities of the DMW include creating policies for the welfare of migrant workers, providing social protection services, studying labor migration trends, monitoring the execution of migrant worker-related laws, accrediting private recruitment entities, conducting pre-departure orientation seminars, aiding the return of migrant workers to the Philippines, and collaborating with other related agencies.
6. How will the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ensure emergency support for the OFWs?
The DMW will establish a 24/7 Emergency Response and Action Unit and media and social media monitoring units to cater to immediate needs.
7. What role will the DMW play in preventing illegal recruitment and human trafficking?
In collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), the DMW will be involved in the investigation and prosecution of illegal recruitment and human trafficking cases.
Summary
The establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) signifies a critical step forward in protecting the rights and promoting the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. By streamlining the responsibilities of several agencies into one department, the DMW aims to create a more efficient and responsive system for addressing the multifaceted challenges migrant workers face. The department is a testament to the Philippine government’s commitment to the protection of its invaluable migrant workforce.