Joint Declaration of Intent between the Department of Migrant Workers of the Republic of the Philippines and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration of Canada concerning labour and migration cooperation

The Department of Migrant Workers of the Republic of the Philippines (DMW) and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration of Canada (CIC), hereinafter referred to as the "Participants",

Considering that the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Canada began in 1949, with 2024 marking the 75th year of their strong and friendly bilateral relations;

Considering the obligations of both countries as members of the International Labour Organization (ILO);

Wishing to cooperate in a manner consistent with their respective national laws;

Desiring to build on the international commitments of their respective countries;

Recognizing the importance of cooperating to strengthen actions on labour matters, including by encouraging consultation and dialogue between labour, business and government entities and by encouraging employers and employees in each country to comply with labour laws and to work together in maintaining a fair, safe, inclusive and healthy working environment;

Recognizing the importance of protections for the labour rights of migrant workers;

Considering that the purpose of this Joint Declaration of Intent (Declaration) is to outline the continued commitment to ethical recruitment as a norm in cross-border labour migration between the Philippines and Canada and represent a mutual understanding of principles on which they will operate;

Considering that this Declaration is based on ILO’s General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment;

Affirm their commitment to the following principles:

1. Laws that apply to all

Appropriate legislation and policies on employment and recruitment will apply to foreign workers, labour recruiters and employers of foreign workers.

Both Participants affirm that the recruitment, deployment and entry of foreign workers will be regulated in accordance with the relevant laws, procedures, guidelines and regulations existing in their respective countries. Both Participants also recognize their international labour commitments, and the principles of transparency, fairness and mutuality of benefits.

2. No charging of recruitment fees

No recruitment fees or related costs will be charged to, or otherwise borne by foreign workers or jobseekers except as authorized by the applicable laws or regulations.

3. Licensing and registration

The regulation of employment and recruitment activities will be clear and transparent to ensure fair and ethical practices. This includes effectively enforcing laws and regulations to prevent exploitation and discrimination. Licensing and certification systems exist to verify the qualifications and credentials of foreign workers to ensure that foreign workers are able to exercise their trade or profession within a specified jurisdiction.

4. Freedom of movement

The freedom of workers to move within a country or to leave a country will be respected, subject to the respective laws applicable to each Participant which may restrict the place of employment/employer. Both Participants commit to enforcing laws which sanction the confiscation or destruction of a foreign worker’s identity documents or contracts, where the enforcement of such laws falls under their jurisdiction.

5. Freedom from deception or coercion

Both Participants recognize that migrant/foreign workers should be able to enter into employment agreements in a manner which is voluntary and free from deception or coercion. In principle, any agreement made between an employer and an employee should be based on voluntary and informed consent, where the employer and employee both fully understand the terms and conditions.

Both Participants affirm that it is unethical and unlawful to coerce or manipulate workers into accepting unfair or exploitative conditions. Employment agreements should be made voluntarily and transparently in order to protect the rights and well-being of migrant workers, fostering a more equitable and respectful working environment. Fair and ethical recruitment practices are essential for upholding the dignity and rights of all migrant workers.

6. Access to information

Both Participants will ensure that, to the extent provided for in the applicable laws and regulations within their jurisdiction, foreign workers have access to free, comprehensive and accurate information regarding their rights.

7. Access to grievance mechanisms

Both Participants recognize that there may be several avenues of recourse open to foreign workers to address grievances depending on their situation and the nature of their grievance.

8. Additional Clause

Both Participants recognize and affirm the applicability of their respective laws in protecting the rights, welfare and interests of migrant workers. All commitments and principles set forth in the document will be interpreted and applied in accordance with the legal frameworks of both Participants.

Signed in duplicate at Vancouver, Canada, on July 2, 2026, in the English and French languages, each version being equally valid.

For the department of migrant workers of the republic of the Philippines

For the department of citizenship and immigration of Canada