BUCHAREST, Romania — The Philippines and Romania agreed on August 5, 2026 to renew their labor cooperation framework and convene the first Joint Committee Meeting under their 2021 Memorandum of Understanding. The strengthened pact bans illegal recruitment fees and promises stronger protections for Filipino workers in Romania.
Renewing a 2021 Agreement
Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the Philippine delegation in Bucharest. He met with Romanian Labor Minister Dragoș‑Nicolae Pîslaru and State Secretary Silvia Monica Dinică to discuss the path forward. Both sides committed to updating the bilateral accord to reflect today’s labor realities.
Cacdac presented the Philippines’ 52‑year system for managing overseas employment. He emphasized that the partnership with Romania must ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration. The agreement will cover ethical recruitment, fair wages, employer accountability, and social protection for all Filipino workers.
Romania’s New Law Protects Workers
The Philippine delegation welcomed Romania’s Emergency Ordinance No. 32/2026, a law that transforms the hiring landscape. It mandates digital licensing and registration for recruitment agencies and their employer clients. Crucially, it prohibits agencies from charging foreign workers any placement fees, commissions, or financial guarantees.
This zero‑placement‑fee policy removes a major burden from overseas Filipino workers. Historically, many have paid large sums just to secure employment abroad. With employers now required to cover recruitment costs, workers can keep their hard‑earned savings and start their jobs debt‑free.
A Migrant Workers Office for Bucharest
Both sides agreed to establish a dedicated Migrant Workers Office in Bucharest. This local office will provide direct support for contract verification, welfare concerns, and dispute resolution. Filipino workers will no longer need to travel to distant embassies to access critical government services.
The office will also serve as a bridge between the Philippine and Romanian labor systems. It will help ensure that bilingual employment contracts are honored and that workers understand their rights. Having a permanent presence in Romania demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
Maritime Emergency Response
The talks took on added urgency following drone attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea that began in July 2026. Cacdac had earlier visited Tulcea to honor a Filipino chief engineer who died in one such incident. He met with over 200 OFWs at the VARD shipyard to hear their concerns and coordinate assistance.
Both governments discussed faster emergency protocols for seafarers caught in conflict zones. Improved coordination between Romanian emergency health units and the Philippine DMW will help injured workers receive timely medical care. The experience reinforced the need for robust government‑to‑government communication channels.
A Model for Ethical Migration
Romania continues to rely on foreign workers to fill gaps in manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. By strengthening the labor pact with the Philippines, Romania gains access to a skilled workforce while committing to humane treatment. For Filipino workers, the renewed cooperation offers a safer and more transparent pathway to employment in Europe.
