While employment opportunities are booming in Laos due to China's Belt and Road initiative, Philippine officials are concerned about the potential for human trafficking as demand for overseas Filipino workers increases.
VIENTIANE, Laos —The good news: employment opportunities are growing fast in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic , but this early, Philippine officials are looking to avoid the great risk that this can be used by human traffickers and illegal recruiters to lure more Filipino victims.
However, the Department of Migrant Workers is wary LPDR’s reputation as a new potential work destination can be exploited by predators so they are factoring this into programs to prepare migrant workers for their new hub. “They have high respect and status as professionals. And it is an honor to be called an overseas worker here in Laos,” he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said there are an estimated 2,000 Filipinos in Laos, mostly employed as teachers, engineers, welders, accountants, administrators, pharmacists, and hospitality workers. The President also assured them his administration will continue to push for the enhancement of the working conditions and the protection of OFWs abroad.DMW Secretary Hans J. Cacdac also confirmed the rise in the number of OFWs in LPDR as well as their changing demographics.
In latest annual data, the DMW reported that its deployment for land-based OFWs in Laos rose to 1,448 last year from just 614 in 2022. Of the 2023 figure, 1,226 were rehires and 222 were new hires.
Ofws Laos Human Trafficking Belt And Road Initiative Philippines
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