Sweden Ratifies PH-Sweden Social Security Agreement

Ambassador to Norway Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia and Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Annika Söder (Oslo PE photo)

STOCKHOLM 06 May 2019 —  Ambassador to Norway Jocelyn Batoon-Garcia met with Swedish Foreign Affairs State Secretary Annika Söder on 25 April 2019 and expressed that relations between the Philippines and Sweden are in an upswing.

Ambassador Batoon-Garcia is the Philippine Ambassador to Norway, as well as to Iceland, Finland and Sweden.

The Swedish Parliament or Riksdag approved the Philippines-Sweden Social Security Agreement on 11 April 2019, stating that the agreement contains provisions that coordinate the legislation of both countries regarding old-age, survivors' and disability pensions, and work injury, sickness and activity compensation.

The Agreement is expected to benefit citizens of both countries in terms of securing their respective long-term and pension benefits, and avoiding social security contributions being paid in both countries.   As the Philippines and Sweden have now ratified the Agreement, it paves the way for its entry into force and the elaboration of its implementing rules and guidelines.

People-to-people exchanges between the two countries have been increasing. A number of Filipinos have been migrating and working in Sweden, while a number of Swedish companies have been establishing and increasing their presence in the Philippines.

The Philippines also welcomes the announcement made by the Swedish Ambassador in Manila Harald Fries that Swedish businesses are keen on hiring software engineers and health care workers from the Philippines in view of the current shortage of such professionals in Sweden.

Ambassador Batoon-Garcia and State Secretary Söder discussed  areas to  further  increase and widen the trade and investment flows between the two countries.  The Philippines’ continuing high economic growth rates, excellent workforce, large infrastructure projects and big consumer base have helped in enhancing the economic ties between the Philippines and Sweden. END

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