The Philippine government predicts nearly one million positions could be forthcoming in Saudi Arabia alone. There is a wave of fresh employment opportunities in the Middle East, including the UAE, for Filipinos.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on track to provide approximately one million job openings for skilled Filipino workers.
Booming Job Market in Tourism and Construction
"The tourism sector in Saudi Arabia is undergoing a burst of job openings, with an array of opportunities in hotels, restaurants, and resorts on the horizon," states PY Caunan, Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation at the Philippines' Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Construction remains another potent sector for employment.
The UAE has also signaled its interest in acquiring more skilled Filipino workers.
Communicating With Stakeholders
"Over the coming weeks, we plan to initiate a series of dialogues and meetings involving a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including our OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), private recruitment agencies, and those with concerns about our deployment in the UAE," says Caunan.
The report suggests that Oman and Qatar are also looking to take on more skilled Filipino workers.
Special Hiring Program by DMW
The DMW is preparing to launch a unique hiring initiative, aiming to offer potential workers more flexibility for employment within Saudi Arabia.
Job Prospects in Europe
Various European countries have numerous job opportunities on offer.
Forging International Cooperation
"We're about to seal a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with Austria and other European nations, including Portugal — there's a growing queue," Caunan reveals.
The demand for healthcare workers in Austria is on the rise, with the country projecting a need for close to 200,000 workers in an impressive 98 fields.
Plan to Engage Over 1 Million Filipinos in New Roles
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Oman have outlined plans for extensive recruitment of Filipino workers in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and construction.
The DMW of the Philippines is finalizing a memorandum of cooperation with these nations, expressing their interest in recruiting more Filipino healthcare professionals and skilled workers.
Upcoming Collaboration and Growth
A joint committee meeting between the Philippines and Qatar is slated for September. Meanwhile, the DMW is eager to cultivate stronger ties with Oman, which has also communicated its high demand for labor.