PHL Embassy, Russian Labor Ministry Discuss Possible Solutions to Status of OFWs in Russia

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta (left) and officials from the Russian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection led by Mr. Mikhael Kirsanov, Director of the Employment Department (third from right) discuss the issue of legal status for Filipino workers in Russia. The meeting was held at the Russian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection on 24 January 2018. Photos by J. Valdez

29 January 2018 MOSCOW – Efforts of the Philippine Embassy in Russia to address the issue of the visa status of Filipino workers in the country continued when it met with key officials from the Russian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection on 24 January.

Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos D. Sorreta met with officials from the Russian Ministry of Labor and Social Protection led by Mr. Mikhael Kirsanov, Director of the Employment Department, to discuss possible solutions that would allow Filipinos to work legally in Russia.

Currently, the vast majority of OFWs in Russia are in the household service worker sector and are not properly documented. This is primarily because there is no visa category applicable to Filipinos in this sector. 

“In our meeting we agreed to work together to find a solution to this problem,” Ambassador Sorreta said. He added that solutions could include modification by the Labor Ministry of existing quotas, amendments to Russian migration laws and the conclusion of a labor agreement between the Philippines and Russia.

“While we are hopeful that we can arrive at a solution, much work remains to be done,” the Ambassador said. “We will continue with our efforts but what is crucial at this point is that we are able to show respect for current Russian laws and that there is no increase in the number of undocumented Filipino workers,” the Ambassador said, adding “the process will involve officials from several ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, and the Foreign Ministry.”

“The progress we have achieved thus far can be attributed to our closer relations with Russia led by our Presidents and the fact that Filipinos in Russia have generally shown respect for Russian laws and perform their duties well,” Ambassador Sorreta said.

With Ambassador Sorreta at the meeting was Consul Jeff Valdez.  Other Russian officials from the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection were Mr. Oleg Gubarev, Deputy Director of the Employment Department, Mr. Gennady Sedakov, Head of Labor Migration, Mr. Dmitry Mylnikov, Assistant at the Employment Department, and Mr. Stanislav Stepakov, Deputy Head of International Cooperation. END

For more information, visit www.moscowpe.dfa.gov.ph.