PHL Embassy Hosts Meeting on the Implementation of the Joint Declaration by the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia on the Protection of Migrants and Migrant Workers

20 February 2018 MUSCAT – The Philippine Embassy in Oman hosted the second meeting with representatives of the Indonesian Embassy in Oman on 14 February to discuss the implementation of the Joint Declaration on the Protection of Migrants and Migrant Workers signed by the Philippines and Indonesia in 2015. 

The meeting between the representatives of the two Embassies aims to explore avenues of cooperation to better address the issues and concerns of the respective migrant workers of each country in Oman. It also intends to strengthen the sharing of best practices and ideas, develop capacities and contacts and exchange vital information to facilitate the management of cases of migrant workers. Furthermore, the regular meeting between the Embassy officials of the two labor-sending countries would provide for a coordinated approach in dealing with the host country to pursue mutual interests in the spirit of the Joint Declaration.  

Also invited during the meeting were representatives of Oman’s Foreign Ministry, as resource persons, to discuss the programs of the Sultanate to combat human trafficking and other labor-related issues.

The Philippine Embassy delegation was composed of Mr. Arvic Arevalo, First Secretary and Consul; Mr. Ponciano Ligutom, Labor Attache; Mr. Ariel Gatchalian, Assistance-to-Nationals Officer; and Ms. Marilou Sumalinog, Welfare Officer. The Indonesian Embassy was represented by Mr. Bambang Daranindra, Minister Counsellor and Head of Protocol and Consular Department; Mr. RM Virgino Rikaryanto, First Secretary and Head of the Social and Cultural Affairs; and Ms. Eneng Siti Sondari, Third Secretary and Assistant for Protocol and Consular Department. 

The representatives of both Embassies agreed to formulate mechanisms with respect to the assistance the two Embassies may provide to their nationals, including but not limited to training, shelter management, and dissemination of labor policy of the host country.  The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue holding consultations and reinforce the sharing of information to efficiently assist their respective nationals. END

For more information, visit www.muscatpe.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinOman.