Luxembourg and the Philippines Discuss a Labor Shortage Deal

The Philippines and Luxembourg are discussing a Joint Declaration of Intent on labor cooperation. Here is what it means, what it doesn’t, and how Filipinos can prepare.

Luxembourg is a small country with a big shortage of workers. This month it took a step toward the Philippines to help fill the gap.

On 6 November 2026, Luxembourg’s envoys met officials of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Manila. They discussed a proposed Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on labor cooperation. If it goes through, it could open more legal job options for skilled Filipinos. But nothing is open yet, so read on before you get excited.

What Happened in Manila

The DMW announced that it is working on the proposed declaration after a meeting on Friday, 6 November. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac hosted the Luxembourg side. They were:

• Lutz H. Kunack, Luxembourg’s honorary consul in the Philippines, as described by the DMW
• Anne Moes, minister-counsellor and Tokyo-based deputy head of mission

The DMW says the aim is more job options for skilled Filipinos, with recruitment and employment kept safe, ethical and fair. The Global Filipino Magazine also covered the talks.

This was not the first contact. Earlier, a DMW delegation led by Undersecretary Felicitas Bay received Luxembourg’s non-resident ambassador, Michel Leesch, in Mandaluyong City. That meeting looked at possible pathways for Filipino nurses and caregivers.

What Is a Joint Declaration of Intent?

A JDI is a statement that two governments want to work together. It is not a recruitment program, and it does not create jobs on its own.

The Philippines has signed several of these before, and they usually lead to the next stage:

• Denmark: the JDI set up a joint committee to negotiate a memorandum of understanding.
• Finland: a JDI on the mobility of Filipino specialists and skilled workers.
• Slovenia: a JDI on labor mobility and employment facilitation.
• Germany: a declaration on skilled worker recruitment.
• Canada: a federal-level JDI signed on 2 July 2026.

In Luxembourg’s case, the DMW has not yet announced a signing date or the next round of talks.

Why Luxembourg Needs Workers

Luxembourg publishes a yearly list of occupations in severe shortage. The 2026 list came out on 27 March and has 20 occupations, down from 22 last year. Reports on the list point to healthcare, IT, construction and industrial maintenance. Roofing and industrial equipment maintenance are among the new additions.

You can see the full list on the Work in Luxembourg portal and in Luxembourg’s official business guide, Guichet.lu. Check the exact job titles there rather than relying on summaries.

Why the Shortage List Matters to Non-EU Workers

For a non-EU worker, the employer usually needs a foreign workforce certificate from ADEM, Luxembourg’s public employment service.

• Shortage occupations: the labor-market test is waived, and the certificate is generally issued within five working days.
• Other occupations: ADEM has seven working days to look for suitable local candidates first. If none are found, the certificate follows within another five working days.

So if your job is on the list, the employer’s side of the process is much faster. You still need a job offer, a visa if required, and a residence permit.

What This Does Not Mean

This is the part to be careful about.

• No jobs have opened because of this meeting. The declaration is only proposed.
• No official recruitment has started. The DMW will announce programs when they exist.
• Anyone asking for money now is a red flag. If someone promises you a Luxembourg job through this deal and wants a fee, walk away.

Check the DMW’s official website at dmw.gov.ph and its verified social media pages. Verify any recruitment agency’s license with the DMW before you pay for anything or send documents.

How to Prepare Now

You can’t apply through this channel yet, but you can get ready.

1. Check the shortage list. See whether your occupation is on it.
2. Work on your credentials. Nurses and other regulated professionals may need their qualifications recognized in Luxembourg. Start gathering transcripts, licenses and work certificates.
3. Look at languages. Employers in Luxembourg often value French, German or English, and sometimes Luxembourgish.
4. Keep your passport valid. Check the expiry date now.
5. Follow the DMW. Official announcements will come from the agency itself.

The Bottom Line

Luxembourg needs skilled workers, and the Philippines wants safe, legal routes for its workers. The talks are an encouraging early step. But a proposed declaration is not a job offer, and the timeline is unknown. Prepare quietly, stay skeptical of fee-charging recruiters, and wait for official word.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and is based on public reports as of 9 November 2026. Immigration Cafe is not affiliated with the DMW or the government of Luxembourg. Rules, shortage lists and processing times can change. Always confirm with official sources before you apply or pay for any service.