Russia may be the next popular destination for skilled overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said President Duterte will be discussing labor relations and trade when he meets with President Vladimir Putin in Russia next year.

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“I already sent a memo to the President requesting him to include the possible deployment of skilled and professional workers to Russia,” Bello said.

The labor secretary said there is a demand for construction and household service workers there.

Since his assumption as President, Mr. Duterte has been forging warmer ties with Russia and China, while stepping up his anti-US rhetoric.

Bello said Russia, with its relatively higher wages, is becoming a good alternative for skilled and professional workers who are looking for high-paying jobs.

This is a result of the decline in oil price in the Middle East, which means fewer job opportunities in the region.

Particularly, the construction and oil business have been slowing down, the labor secretary noted.

“We noticed that there is a decline in the demand for OFWs in the Middle East. We have to look for other countries where there are demands for our OFWs,” Bello said.

As of 2014, there are around 4,000 OFWs in Russia.

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