Europe is emerging as a new labor frontier for Filipino workers, with Croatia leading the way, through a government-to-government (G2G) hiring program, in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

In a news release Monday evening, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said this marked a significant step in expanding safe overseas employment opportunities for Filipinos in Europe.

“This is a direct result of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to open dignified and safe opportunities for Filipinos abroad,” he said.

“Ang mahalaga dito, malinaw ang kasunduan at parehong gobyerno [Philippines and Croatia] ang nagbabantay. That means may proteksyon, may suporta, at siguradong may respeto sa ating mga manggagawa (What’s important here is that there is a clear agreement andthat both governments are watching. That means there is protection, there is support, and there is definitely respect for our workers),” he added.

The DMW said Croatia is offering 435 job posts through direct government supervision.

The pilot recruitment focuses on hospitality and food service, specifically for 255 room attendants, 110 waiters, and 70 cooks.

Successful candidates will receive gross monthly salaries ranging from 976.99 to 1,079.24 euros (around PHP62,500 to PHP69,000).

Aside from having Filipino citizenship, applicants must be 18 years old and above, at least high school graduate, have a TESDA National Certification (NC) II certification in the relevant field, and be fit for overseas employment.

Prior work experience is not required but applicants should be proficient in the English language.

Interested applicants must register online and secure an appointment via the DMW Portal (https://portal.dmw.gov.ph), and personally submit their documentary requirements to the DMW Central Office in Ortigas or any DMW Regional Office.

Submissions through courier will not be accepted, and only those with complete documents will be processed.

Deadline for submission of applications is Sept. 24, while interviews for pre-qualified applicants are scheduled for Oct. 15 at the DMW head office in Mandaluyong City.

The DMW reminds applicants that only those with complete documents will be accepted and that transfer of appointments between DMW offices will not be allowed.

The list of pre-qualified applicants for interview will be posted by the DMW.

All job applicants are also reminded to be vigilant and exercise caution against illegal recruiters. (PNA)