THE construction sector in Laos is experiencing a boom, creating opportunities for Filipino workers, according to Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.
“Previously, Laos was a market primarily for teachers,” Cacdac said. “But now we’re seeing growth in the construction sector, and the professional sector is becoming more diverse. We’re seeing engineers related to construction works, indicating significant infrastructure development.”
Government data confirms this trend, showing that while teachers still make up the largest group of Filipino workers in Laos, the Whessoe, an EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) subcontractor for the Luang Prabang Hydropower Project Site, employs the highest number of Filipinos in the country, at 236.
The hospitality industry is also seeing growth, with hotels like Crowne Plaza, Laotel, Grand Hotel Vientiane, and Souphattra employing Filipino workers.
To address the issue of illegal recruitment, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is partnering with other government agencies and the Philippine Embassy in Laos. In August, 125 Filipinos who fell victim to illegal cyber scam centers in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) were repatriated.
Philippine Ambassador to Laos Deena Joy Amatong has urged Filipinos returning from Laos to cooperate with authorities to prevent illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and undocumented work.
The growing demand for Filipino workers in Laos presents both opportunities and challenges. The DMW’s efforts to combat illegal recruitment are crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipino workers seeking employment in this developing market.
