MANILA -- Filipinos could seize the opportunities in the German labor market following the passage of legislations in the European country for easier entry of foreign workers.

This was the invitation made by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz after a meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Tuesday adding that the cooperation signed between the Philippines and Germany on vocational education and training that will promote the upskilling and reskilling of Filipino workers is important for the two nations.

The Philippines and Germany signed the renewal of “Cooperation Program” between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) which will capacitate Filipino workers in the fields of digitalization and the green economy.

“The legislation that we’ve just passed lay the foundation and make it a lot easier for people to have access to the German labor market,” Scholz said in a joint press conference with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“I believe it to be the probably the most advanced and modern legislation in that regard. We know that our prosperity and growth depend on professional workers from outside and we want to create favorable conditions here,” he added.

He expressed hope that the legislation will enhance and improve the cooperation with the Philippines in area of labor as he has great interest in seeing that come into fruition.

Germany’s immigration law reforms were introduced in three stages starting November last year, with the aim of making it easier for skilled workers from outside the European Union (EU) to move to Germany. The German government gave its final approval for the law in July last year, and was expected to come into force in three steps in November 2023, March 2024, and June 2024. The new law aims to attract skilled foreign workers and combat labor shortages in the country.

For his part, President Marcos recognized the importance of collaboration with Germany in skills vocational training as the Philippines gears to transform its economy.

“The transformation can only occur when our workforce is, I think the buzz words everybody uses now is upskill and re-skill,” he said. “And we look to Germany for much of that training, especially since we are very much immersed now in the digital space and the high-technology requirements for the workforce — the training for high-technology jobs in the workforce — is something that will be necessary to keep our economy thriving,” President Marcos stressed.

He also expressed hope that the initiative will be a continuing effort, and “it will be an advantage for the Philippines because our workforce will be better trained, and it will be an advantage to Germany because we now have a workforce that can contribute to German economy as well.” (PND)