Table 7 Bilateral labour agreements between the Philippines and other countries

Middle Eastern countries:

-Saudia Arabia—no permanent residency, employers hold passports, meals are provided, living stations as well. Workers can only work from Saturday to Wednesday, 8 h a day or 48 h a week. At least one rest day per week, overtime pay during Fridays, 30 days leave per 2 years, transport allowance if workers live far from work; as prescribed by the laws of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the accord entered with the Philippine government.

-United Arab Emirates—no permanent residency, although all nationalities are treated equally. Violence, restriction of physical movement, and economic exploitation are disputed.

-Kuwait—no permanent residency but is reportedly the most “Filipino friendly” among the three Arab nations reported [28].

Canada: From 2007 to 2008, the Philippines signed a bilateral agreement with the Canadian Provinces of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. These agreements incorporated new targeted migrant schemes to speed up the process of getting workers to where they are needed while securing their rights and welfare [55]. In addition, by entering into these agreements, the Philippine government has aimed to ensure an ethical recruitment of health professionals that does not deplete their healthcare labor force. For instance, in the country’s agreement with Saskatchewan, it has been agreed that for every 10 nurses, the importing country will improve the nursing center in the Philippines and for one Filipino nurse hired, three more nurses will be educated. Joint research, linkages, and graduate scholarships with their universities for improved research were also included in the agreement [56].

European countries: Switzerland involves the exchange of professionals and technical trainees for short-term employment; the agreement with the UK aims to help the recruitment of Filipino health professionals; and the Philippines-Norway agreement aims to develop cooperation to reduce the demand for professionals in the health sector in Norway and to promote employment opportunities for Filipino health personnel [57].