09 August 2016 – Seventy-seven thousand work visas are currently available for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in mostly highly-skilled, technical jobs in Qatar, said Qatari Dr. Issa Saad Al-Jafali Al-Nuaimi during a recent courtesy call paid by Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Wilfredo C. Santos.
Ambassador Santos and Minister Al-Nuaimi discussed various concerns confronted by OFWs in Qatar. Ambassador Santos conveyed the Embassy’s commitment to cooperate with the Ministry in addressing these issues.
“I wish to congratulate Dr. Al-Nuaimi in his new position as the Minister for Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, and at the same time I acknowledge with appreciation the ongoing labor reforms of Qatar that will surely benefit its migrant worker population, including OFWs,” Ambassador Santos said in his opening statement during the courtesy call. He also thanked the Minister for this wonderful news and promised to assist Qatar in facilitating the recruitment of qualified OFWs to finally issue these visas.
Minister Al-Nuaimi said that “these labor reforms are a testament to the Emir’s commitment to protect the welfare of its migrant workers.”
Both sides agreed in convening the 3rd Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) on Labor Matters in the Philippines. The 1st JCM was convened in Bohol in 2009, followed by the 2ndround hosted by Doha from February 04 to 05.
Minister Al-Nuaimi also extended an invitation for Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to visit Qatar. END
