The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, plans to offer scholarships to Filipino nurses deployed in Germany under the Triple Win Agreement, enabling them to pursue master's degrees.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the initiative aims to promote upskilling and retooling for Filipino nurses. Returning nurses could use their training to teach and help strengthen the Philippine healthcare workforce, addressing concerns about sustainable recruitment and the development of nursing schools.
Separately, the DMW said Germany is considering opening opportunities for Filipino caregivers and domestic workers to work as nursing assistants. Judith Heepe, head of Germany's Global Skills Partnership project, proposed a program for returning caregivers and domestic workers with TESDA National Certificate II in Caregiving.
Under the proposal, qualified individuals must complete an 18-month training program, work in the Philippines for one year, earn a B1-level German-language certificate, meet Germany's recognition requirements, and complete practical hospital training, including rotations in emergency and maternal and child care units, before deployment.
The program could benefit returning OFWs, particularly caregivers from Israel and domestic workers from the Middle East with caregiving and child care experience. Records show about 35,000 OFWs are based in Germany, mostly in health care, IT, hotel and hospitality, and academe.
Source: sunstar.com.ph
