Iraqi Officials Welcome Delegation from the Philippines

Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn M. Quintana pays a courtesy call on Iraqi Foreign Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jaafari and Labor Minister Mohammed Shia’ Sabbar Al-Sudani during a recent visit to Baghdad, Iraq.

17 November 2017 — Assistant Secretary for Office of Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA) Hjayceelyn M. Quintana called on Iraqi officials recently during a visit to Baghdad by a team from the Office of Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA) and the Office of Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA). 

Foreign Minister Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jaafari received Ms. Quintana and discussed Iraq’s keen interest in strengthening bilateral relations with the Philippines. He extended an invitation for Filipinos to invest in the reconstruction of Iraqi cities. 

At the Labor Ministry, Minister Mohammed Shia’ Sabbar Al-Sudani updated Assistant Secretary Quintana on the rights of Filipino workers under Iraqi laws. He said that foreign workers are entitled to social insurance and it is the responsibility of Iraqi employers to register their employees with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs in Baghdad to avail of this protection. Minister Al-Sudani added that Iraq is now a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA) and assured the Philippines that they will help Filipino workers in accordance with their laws.

Charge d’affaires Elmer G. Cato accompanied Ms. Quintana in both calls. END