The Department of Migrant Workers announced on Wednesday its goal to deploy Filipino to Austria during the signing of an agreement governing the recruitment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers in the healthcare, information technology, tourism and hospitality sectors.

The memorandum of understanding was led by DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac and State Secretary Susanne Kraus-Winkler of the Austrian Federal Ministry for Labor and Economy. The signed MoA will provide employment opportunities for Filipinos while addressing Austria's shortage of skilled workers.

"Through this agreement, we aim to facilitate the deployment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers to Austria in a manner that is safe, ethical, sustainable and mutually beneficial. Our workers, in return, will contribute to addressing labor shortage in Austria and to sharing their expertise and commitment to the economic development of Austria," Cacdac said.

According to Kraus-Winkler, Austria had excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines.

"Austria is focusing on attracting skilled workers abroad. The Philippines is the first country which Austria has entered into a memorandum of understanding with that covers all areas of mutual cooperation on recruitment and vocational training. Austria has many decades of excellent experience with qualified workers from the Philippines, and we are truly grateful for the reliable support," Kraus-Winkler said.