MANILA, Philippines — A special unit tasked with streamlining the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Japan was formally launched by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday. 

The DMW said a Japan Employment Facilitation Desk was opened in Tokyo and Osaka. 

“The creation of the Japan Desk is a testament to the strong labor market partnership between the Philippines and Japan,” said DMW Officer-in-Charge Hans Leo J. Cacdac.

“We are committed to working with our Japanese counterparts to ensure that Filipino workers have access to safe, stable, and gainful employment opportunities in Japan,” he added.

Cacdac said that the Japan Desk is tasked with monitoring the deployment and return of OFWs. 

It will also facilitate compliance with prescribed timeframes for actions on Japanese documents, processes, and concerns, among others. 

He said the establishment of the Japan Desk “marks a significant milestone in the history of Philippine overseas employment.”

“Its creation fulfills a commitment made by the late Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople in February 2023 on the sidelines of the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr..” Cacdac said.

Citing data from Japan’s Ministry of Justice, DMW said there are 61,766 Filipino workers in Japan as of July 2023. 

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