President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, along with Cabinet officials, met with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and members of the Filipino community in New Delhi, India.
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This gathering highlighted their essential contributions to national development and reinforced the government's commitment to their welfare and protection. During the meeting, President Marcos emphasized that each international visit serves a distinct purpose: to enhance the lives of Filipinos across the globe. "Being with you reminds us that our primary mission during every foreign trip is to improve the lives of Filipinos, both in the Philippines and around the world," he stated. In his address, the President outlined the government's ongoing initiatives to bolster support for OFWs and improve their travel experience. This includes continuous enhancements to international and regional airports in the Philippines, the establishment of an OFW Lounge that has served 1.2 million OFWs, and available reintegration support programs. He also mentioned the introduction of the e-visa system last year, which simplifies the visa application process, and the visa-free entry policy for Indian tourists initiated last June, which will be further complemented by the resumption of direct flights operated by Air India. The Filipino community in India comprises professionals across various fields, including IT, engineering, maritime, textiles, education, and research, as well as Filipino women married to Indian nationals. Currently, there are no bilateral labor agreements between the Philippines and India. However, President Marcos reassured the community that the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, supported by consulates in Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata, remains dedicated to protecting their rights and welfare despite the absence of a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in India. Additionally, the President commended the Filipino community for their unity, professionalism, and generosity towards fellow Filipinos in need, recognizing them as ambassadors of goodwill for the Philippines. "In many ways, you are ambassadors of our country. Let us exemplify the aspirations and standards we set for ourselves as Filipinos, united under the banner of Bagong Pilipinas," he remarked. This state visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and India. During this historic trip, President Marcos and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi are set to launch a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including defense, trade, tourism, health, and cultural exchanges. #DMWPHL #TahananNgOFW #BagongPilipinas Photo credits: Presidential Communications Office