First-world countries Canada and Japan opened their doors to hire skilled workers.

According to the Department of Migrant Workers, the Saskatchewan Government in Canada expects the Philippine government to sign a recruitment agreement for Filipino workers by next year.

Under the agreement, it would cover workers in the healthcare and non-healthcare industries.

Aiming to designate the Philippines as Japan's primary source for skilled workers, the DMW set up a specialized "Japan Desk" within its main office which would focus on sending workers to Japan.

DMW Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation, Atty. Patricia Yvonne Caunan said that one of Japan's primary focuses is to recruit skilled workers for agricultural jobs.

"They are considering agriculture and, of course, hospitality. Additionally, there are many in their factories, particularly in manufacturing, and they also mentioned the need for care workers," Caunan said.

Meanwhile, German Embassy's Economic Counsellor David Klebs announced on Wednesday that Germany welcomes Filipino skilled workers after its new Skilled Migration Act took effect last November.

"Germany is welcoming skilled workers with open arms and full support,"

"This law creates even better incentives for Filipino skilled workers to consider working in Germany," Klebs said in a statement on the newly enacted law lowering salary thresholds and expanding eligibility for overseas Filipino workers.

The German embassy said that they are coordinating with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Department of Migrant Workers.
"The Skilled Migration Act signifies a progressive step in the bilateral relationship (with the Philippines), promoting collaboration, fair immigration, and mutual benefit for both countries," the embassy added.

One of the challenges of the Japanese and German labor markets is the requirement that workers be able to speak their language.

TESDA provides language proficiency training to support Filipino workers who plan to work in the said countries.

Despite the demand for skilled workers, numerous countries still need nurses. Another Canadian province, Nova Scotia, is looking to hire 300 Filipino nurses a year.