Philippines and Canada sign joint declaration to boost ethical recruitment and protect migrant workers

Philippines and Canada sign joint declaration to boost ethical recruitment and protect migrant workers

Summary: The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers and Canada’s Department of Citizenship and Immigration signed a Joint Declaration of Intent in Vancouver on 2026-07-02 to strengthen ethical recruitment and labour protections for migrant workers, outlining principles on fair fees, licensing, freedom of movement, informed consent, and access to information and grievances. Update date: 2026-07-03. Vancouver—The Department of Migrant Workers of the Republic of the Philippines (DMW) and the Department of Citizenship and Immigration of Canada (CIC) have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to enhance labour and migration cooperation, marking the 75th year of Philippines–Canada diplomatic relations. The declaration, grounded in ILO General Principles and Operational Guidelines for Fair Recruitment, affirms a shared commitment to ethical recruitment and the protection of migrant workers. Source: News Article. Programs affected: Work Permit; Caregivers. Key provisions affirmed by the Participants:
- Laws that apply to all: employment and recruitment laws apply to foreign workers, recruiters, and employers, with principles of transparency, fairness, and mutual benefit.
- No recruitment fees: no recruitment fees or related costs are to be charged to workers or jobseekers, except where expressly authorized by applicable law.
- Licensing and registration: clear, transparent regulation of recruitment; effective enforcement against exploitation and discrimination; systems to verify worker qualifications.
- Freedom of movement: workers’ right to move within or leave a country is respected subject to applicable laws; sanctions against confiscation/destruction of identity documents or contracts will be enforced where within jurisdiction.
- Freedom from deception or coercion: employment agreements must be voluntary, informed, and transparent; coercion and manipulation are unethical and unlawful.
- Access to information: workers shall have free, accurate information on their rights, to the extent allowed by applicable law.
- Access to grievance mechanisms: multiple avenues of recourse may be available depending on the worker’s situation.
- Applicability of domestic law: all commitments are interpreted and applied in accordance with each country’s legal framework. Context and scope:
- Reflects both countries’ ILO membership and international commitments.
- Non-binding Joint Declaration of Intent that outlines principles and cooperation rather than creating new statutory rights. Potential impacts (analysis):
- Positive:
- Reinforces “no-fee” recruitment, which can reduce debt bondage and exploitation.
- Clearer licensing and enforcement expectations may deter abusive recruiters and improve employer compliance.
- Explicit condemnation of passport/contract confiscation and coercion can strengthen protections in high-risk sectors, including caregiver roles.
- Better access to information and grievance mechanisms may increase early reporting and resolution of abuses.
- Challenges/risks:
- As a declaration of intent, practical effects depend on domestic enforcement and inter-agency coordination in both countries.
- Compliance costs for recruiters/employers could rise, and uneven implementation across jurisdictions may create gaps.
- Verification and licensing processes may lengthen hiring timelines if not adequately resourced. What this means for stakeholders:
- For Filipino jobseekers and workers bound for Canada (including caregivers): do not pay recruitment fees unless expressly permitted by law; ensure contracts are understood and signed voluntarily; retain copies of identity documents and contracts; use official information and grievance channels.
- For Canadian employers and recruiters: review fee practices, licensing/registration status, document-handling policies, and worker information practices to align with the declaration and applicable laws. Signed in Vancouver on 2026-07-02 in English and French, each version equally valid. The declaration underscores a shared commitment to fair, safe, and inclusive workplaces, with next steps hinging on robust enforcement and sustained cooperation.

Tags: Canada immigration, Philippines, migrant workers, ethical recruitment, ILO, work permits, caregivers, labour rights, international cooperation, Vancouver, DMW, CIC

Date of update: 2026-07-03