Possible easing of Pakistan deployment ban discussed - DMW

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) met with seven Philippine recruitment agencies (PRAs) to tackle a possible lift on the deployment ban on newly-hired domestic workers in major cities in Pakistan including Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.

DMW on Tuesday said the discussion held on 17 November followed a recommendation from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to ease such restrictions. 

The agency added that recruitment agencies have not logged welfare or employer-related issues in recent deployments, noting that households hiring Filipino workers are capable of providing decent conditions.

Should the deployment ban be lifted, agencies committed to impose safeguards including a pre-departure orientation seminar with Pakistan-specific modules on culture, personal security, and conflict-avoidance communication.

“They also supported strengthened pre-employment screening, enhanced employer commitments, and sufficient insurance coverage for workers,” the agency said.

The agencies also expressed readiness to launch marketing missions and coordinate with partner foreign recruitment agencies to pursue a formal Memorandum of Agreement with Pakistan for a safe and ethical recruitment of Filipino domestic workers.

The Philippines suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Pakistan in 2018 as recommended by the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad.

This was partially lifted in 2023, but only applicable to professional, skilled, and semi-skilled workers