Makati City: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has announced a government-to-government program with Croatia, offering 3,500 job openings for Filipino hotel workers. In an interview at the DMW office in Makati City on Tuesday, Migrant Workers Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan said the initiative highlights the growing labor ties between the Philippines and several European countries, creating more employment opportunities for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

According to Philippines News Agency, Caunan mentioned that the initial job orders through the government-to-government program do not require a placement fee. She noted that the rules are in the final stage of drafting, but the Croatian side has expressed the urgency of needing workers by the latter part of April and May.

Filipino workers with experience in housekeeping, food service, and front desk operations can apply directly through the DMW's Pre Employment and Government Placement Bureau. Besides Croatia, the DMW has also secured labor agreements with Slovenia and Hungary. In Croatia, the salary starts at 1,000 euros, while in Slovenia, it ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 euros for caregivers.

A salary of 1,000 euros is approximately PHP62,000. Caunan also indicated that the DMW is assisting in the upskilling of OFWs with the help of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.