The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Philippines and Denmark are a step closer to launching a long-term skills and recruitment pathway for Filipino health and care professionals, following the initialing and exchange of the latest draft of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Makati City last week.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said the updated draft was completed during the visit of Denmark’s Minister for Senior Citizens Mette Kierkgaard, marking significant progress in negotiations that began last year.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said both governments aim to build an ethical, transparent, and government-to-government recruitment system that guarantees Filipino workers equal rights, fair treatment, and clear career development opportunities once deployed to Denmark.
According to Cacdac, the draft MOU lays out a framework centered on education, training, and professional development—ensuring Filipino workers are fully prepared and properly aligned with Denmark’s care-sector standards. The partnership also promotes capacity-building in the Philippines through workforce planning, knowledge exchange, and circular migration programs.
Once the agreement is formally signed, a Joint Committee will be created to oversee implementation, monitor compliance, and guide program expansion.
The cooperation will start with a pilot deployment of Filipino social and health care helpers for elderly care, eventually scaling up to more advanced positions such as social and health care assistants and nurses. All workers will undergo standardized and accredited training in the Philippines to meet Denmark’s requirements.
The initiative builds on a Joint Declaration of Intent signed by both countries in December 2024. Denmark earlier projected a shortage of around 15,000 healthcare workers by 2035, underscoring the importance of structured international partnerships like this one.