Immigration supports Korea’s Seasonal Workers Program
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) expressed its full support for the implementation of the Seasonal Workers Program (SWP) of the Republic of Korea, a joint initiative of key government agencies to ensure the safe, legal, and orderly deployment of Filipino workers abroad.
The BI was represented by Deputy Commissioner Joel Alejandro Nacnac during the signing of the Joint Memorandum for the Implementation of the Seasonal Workers Program, held on November 4, 2025, at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Lobby, Blas F. Ople Building, Mandaluyong City.
The event was led by DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac, and attended by officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The joint memorandum strengthens inter-agency cooperation to regulate and streamline the participation of Filipino workers in Korea’s government-to-government program. It establishes clear guidelines to prevent the involvement of illegal intermediaries and ensure compliance with the rules governing overseas employment.
According to BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado, the Bureau’s participation in the initiative underscores its continuing role in upholding lawful migration practices and maintaining strong border management.
“The Bureau of Immigration fully supports this inter-agency effort to promote safe and legal overseas employment opportunities for Filipinos,” said Viado. “Through our strict departure and documentation procedures, we help ensure that only those with the proper and legal documents are allowed to join the program,” he added.
He added that the BI’s coordination with other agencies helps safeguard Filipino workers against trafficking and other illegal recruitment activities.
“This program is not only about facilitating labor mobility but also about protecting our kababayans from exploitation,” Viado added. “We commend the Department of Migrant Workers and our partner agencies for leading this collaborative effort that strengthens both worker protection and migration governance.”
The Seasonal Workers Program of the Republic of Korea allows the hiring of foreign workers for short-term agricultural and fisheries work to address labor shortages during peak seasons. The Philippine government’s participation in the initiative reinforces its commitment to ethical recruitment, fair labor practices, and stronger bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.
