JOINT STATEMENT

THIRD MEETING OF THE RP-MALAYSIA
WORKING GROUP ON MIGRANT WORKERS

 Pasay City, Philippines
16 June 2006

The Philippines and Malaysia held the Third Meeting on the RP-Malaysia Working Group on Migrant Workers on 16 June 2006.  The meeting was co-chaired by the Honorable Esteban B. Conejos, Jr., Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, and His Excellency Dato’ Ab Rashid bin Mat Adam, Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs of Malaysia.

During the opening remarks, Undersecretary Conejos Jr. underscored the close and friendly relations between the two countries, and conveyed appreciation for the Malaysian Government’s continued concern and support to the Filipino people.  Dato’ Abdul Rashid, on his part, reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment in facilitating consultation and cooperation between the Philippines and Malaysia on various fields, particularly on the issue of migration, through the RP-Malaysia Working Group on migrant workers. 

The Philippine side recalled the understanding reached by the two governments over a year ago, which established the Working Group as a mode for constructive engagement and effective collaboration on matters affecting the lot of Filipino migrants in Malaysia. The Malaysian side expressed its agreement that the Working Group is a vital mechanism in addressing common issues and challenges to the Philippines and Malaysia.

Both the Philippine and Malaysian sides recognized the notable progress that has been achieved since the Working Group was convened over a year ago.   

However, both sides agreed that the opportunities brought about by Filipino migration to Malaysia are attended by new and emerging challenges, which call for an even greater cooperation between the two countries.

The Philippine side noted the continuing demand of Malaysia for foreign workers, and conveyed the Philippine Government’s appreciation to the Malaysian government for considering the Filipino foreign workers in meeting the labor requirements of Malaysia. The Philippine side expressed understanding of the new policies of the Malaysian government regarding employment of all foreign workers.

The two sides likewise agreed that the concerns of the Working Group have expanded and evolved since the First Meeting.  From the initial subjects of recruitment, employment and immigration issues, the changing times have steered the discussions towards humanitarian concerns.  During the Second Meeting, there were discussions on the situation of families of migrant Filipinos in Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, as well as on matters respecting the treatment of Filipino women, stateless children, and Filipinos in detention.

During the Third Meeting, a number of new matters were discussed, namely on the recruitment and employment of OFWs, the Philippines’ proposal for memorandum of understanding on labor, illegal Filipino migrants and their children in Malaysia, repatriation of illegal Filipino migrants from Malaysia, and border control and immigration issues.

Furthermore, the Philippine side expressed its views regarding the proposed requirement of an induction course prior to the deployment of Filipino workers to Malaysia, which aims to reduce conflicts between employers and employees resulting from cultural or linguistic differences. In addition, the Philippine side welcomed the policy statement issued by the Malaysian Government that fees of employment agencies would be reduced to the barest minimum, and looks forward to the operationalization of this policy.

Although the Malaysian side requested the deferment of discussion on the issues of the induction course requirement and the regulation of fees of employment agencies, the head of the Malaysian delegation expressed positive remarks on the manifestations made by the Philippine side concerning these two issues.

Both sides agreed to explore the necessity of holding further meetings and consultations before the Fourth Meeting of the Working Group.  In particular, the Philippine side proposed the resumption of discussions on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on labor, which have been suspended. In this regard, the Malaysian side encouraged the Philippine side to take official steps towards this matter for the consideration of the Government of Malaysia. 

The Malaysian side shared vital information on the concrete programs that the Malaysian government is now undertaking in addressing common issues, particularly those involving women, children, and other vulnerable groups.  The Malaysian side also announced the two-pronged approach that it is taking to resolve the recurring problem of illegal employment by holding both the employer and the employee accountable for the illegal act.  The Philippine side welcomed and conveyed the Philippine government’s appreciation and support for all these initiatives, which are indeed laudable and mutually beneficial for the Philippines and Malaysia. Further, the Philippine side identified the need to institute data-gathering and sharing mechanisms that would be useful to both countries.

Both sides took note that the longer list of issues subject of discussion in the Third Meeting reflects the urgency of a comprehensive and joint approach by the Philippine and Malaysian governments in addressing the multifarious issues attendant to Filipino migration to Malaysia.  Likewise, both parties agreed to immediately pursue remedial measures and preventive actions in order to meet the challenges and to protect the gains of the enduring RP-Malaysia partnership.

Both sides expressed hope that the Working Group will continue to be convened in the spirit of brotherhood and cooperation as the Philippines and Malaysia pursue their common goals and aspirations. 

The Malaysian delegation expressed appreciation for the excellent arrangements and warm hospitality extended by the Philippines during the Third Meeting.  As a gesture of gratitude, they expressed eagerness to host the Fourth Meeting of the Working Group on Migrant Workers and offered the Philippine side the privilege to elect its desired venue in Malaysia.

Final details of the Fourth Meeting will be determined upon agreement by both sides and through diplomatic channels.

Signed this 16^th day of June 2006 in Pasay City, Philippines.

Esteban B. Conejos, Jr.                 Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ab Rashid bin Mat Adam        

Head, Philippine Delegation              Head, Malaysian Delegation    

/epa