22 SEPTEMBER 2025, VIENNA - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), together with the Embassy of the Philippines in Vienna, discussed with the Austrian Government ways to improve the education programs and training available to Filipino workers bound to Austria, as part of the implementation of the two (2) labor agreements signed with Austria in 2023.

OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan met with Director General Florian Frauscher of the Federal Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Energy. They discussed the positive developments in the implementation of the labor agreements including the upcoming Joint Committee Meeting (JCM) scheduled next year. Frauscher mentioned that Austria is looking for skilled workers in the healthcare, STEM, IT, and engineering sectors. 

The Philippine government considers education programs such as seminars, upskilling, and training important to equip Filipino workers with the right information and adequate skills before, during, and after deployment. Caunan sought Austria’s support in developing a country-specific curricula and eventually a sector-specific curricula for the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS).  The PDOS, a required seminar for Filipino workers going abroad, provides information and guidance to help Filipino workers adjust and integrate smoothly in their new working environment.

OWWA also conducted meetings with relevant Austrian agencies and institutions including the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Austrian Business Agency (ABA), Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), Austrian Integration Fund (ÖIF) and the Vienna Social Fund to discuss the initiative. 

The Philippines and Austria signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Recruitment of Filipino Nurses on 07 July 2023 and a Memorandum of Understanding on the Recruitment of Professionals and Skilled Workers on 25 October 2023. These agreements are aimed to promote fair, ethical, and sustainable recruitment of Filipino skilled workers in Austria. END.