The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced a significant update concerning the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) for Filipinos deployed in South Korea. In a bid to “standardize the protection” of seasonal overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the DMW is set to issue a new set of guidelines, as revealed by DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Cacdac, as reported by the Inquirer.
Aiming for Uniform Protection
Cacdac emphasized the need for a uniform system of protection for OFWs, highlighting the inconsistency in support provided by various local government units (LGUs) in both the Philippines and Korea. “We want to standardize protection mechanisms to avoid sporadic or uneven assistance,” Cacdac stated, addressing the disparities in the level of support offered by different LGUs.
Background of the Seasonal Workers Program
The SWP, a collaboration between partner LGUs in the Philippines and Korea, was established to supplement Seoul’s workforce shortage during peak agricultural seasons. Despite its intentions, the program faced a temporary halt due to concerns over “illegal recruitment, labor, and welfare cases,” as detailed in a DMW advisory dated January 11.
Cacdac disclosed that the DMW had received approximately 150 complaints from OFWs under the SWP, including five instances of physical abuse. This situation underscored the vital role of LGUs in supporting deployed workers and highlighted the necessity for national government intervention.
New Guidelines and Protocols
In response to these challenges, the DMW is preparing to introduce comprehensive guidelines aimed at preventing and addressing potential abuse and ensuring timely interventions. “Our goal is to prevent stressful situations or unfortunate incidents and to establish adequate protocols for timely interventions from both the national government and LGU sides,” explained Cacdac.
The moratorium on the SWP is expected to be lifted once these guidelines are established, signaling a new phase in the program’s operation. Furthermore, Cacdac mentioned the anticipation of separate inter-agency guidelines, which would complement the DMW’s efforts to enhance the program’s governance.
Looking Forward@
The forthcoming guidelines represent a pivotal step towards ensuring the safety and welfare of OFWs in South Korea. By standardizing protection measures and establishing clear protocols, the DMW aims to foster a more secure and supportive environment for Filipino seasonal workers abroad.
The initiative also underscores the importance of collaboration between the national government and LGUs in safeguarding the interests of OFWs. As these new measures are implemented, stakeholders are optimistic about the positive impact they will have on the Seasonal Workers Program and the broader OFW community.
Video: Webinar on the South Korea Seasonal Workers Program in the Philippines
Want to learn more about Korea’s Seasonal Workers Program? Check out this discussion facilitated by Migrant Forum in Asia, in partnership with the Joint Committee with Migrants Korea (JCMK), the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA), and Lawyers Beyond Borders (LBB) Philippines.
This webinar aims to shed light on the program’s benefits, challenges, and opportunities for Filipino workers seeking employment in South Korea. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and guidance from experts in the field.