More Filipino healthcare workers are expected to get job opportunities after the Philippines signed an agreement with Germany to deepen their bilateral ties.

The Philippines and Germany recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to further facilitate the entry of Filipino healthcare professionals to Germany, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

It was disclosed that the MOU will complement the Triple Win Project (TWP), a landmark government-to-government agreement signed by both countries in 2013.

It will also enhance the existing private recruitment track for nurses and other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, radiographers, occupational therapists, wishing to enter the German labor market.

Aside from healthcare workers, the two countries are also advancing the entry to Germany of an initial set of Filipino skilled workers and professionals such as electronics and electrical mechanics, plumbers, pipe fitters, cooks, waiters, and hotel receptionists.

Germany needs around 400,000 new workers from various professions and skills, every year.

According to DFA, Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac and International Cooperation of Germany’s Federal Employment Agency Director Alexander Wilhelm also signed a Letter of Intent between the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and the Federal Employment Agency of Germany.

"The two instruments exhibit both countries’ commitment to expand cooperation in the area of recruitment, deployment and employment of Filipino professionals and skilled workers to Germany, and their adherence to the principles of fair and orderly migration," the DFA said.

There are currently 6,000 Filipino nurses in Germany. Of this figure, around 2,000 entered Germany through the TWP, and 4,000 through the private track.