The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday, May 12, urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were affected by Kuwait’s visa suspension to coordinate with the agency so it can extend the necessary assistance to them.
 

(File photo via Manila Bulletin)

The DMW said that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) already informed them about the Kuwait government’s decision to suspend the issuance of new entry visas for Filipinos. 

“We shall continue to pursue the track of labor diplomacy in ensuring the welfare and safety of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), while we await more details as to the rationale and issues surrounding the action of the Kuwait government,” the DMW said in a statement.

The DMW said added that it was working closely with the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to address the situation.

“We are also coordinating with our Philippine recruitment agencies, Filipino communities and leaders, and other stakeholders on how to address this development in the best interest of all concerned,” it noted.

Affected OFWs bound to Kuwait are encouraged to connect directly with the DMW through the hotlines of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) at 0956-782-1309 and 0960-353-2532; or via email at [email protected].

According to reports, Kuwait stopped issuing new visa to Filipinos after the Philippine government supposedly failed to comply with the two countries’ labor agreements.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said in a radio interview at dzBB that the Kuwaiti government does not want to establish “runaway shelters” for Filipino workers as mandated by the Philippines in its labor agreement since it violates the Arab state’s law.

Further, Dela Vega said that the Kuwaiti government is opposed to the proposal that the Philippine government may contact the employers of OFWs if they report any maltreatment, abuse, or other related concerns.

The Philippines and Kuwait have been conducting discussions to iron out labor issues after Manila suspended the application of first-time OFWs bound for Kuwait in February. This, after reports of the killing of Kuwait-based domestic worker Jullebee Ranara allegedly at the hands of her employer made headlines.

As for the DMW, it vowed to ensure the protection of the OFWs amid the Kuwait government’s recent acts.

“We assure everyone that the DMW will work with all of its partners to mitigate the impact of this recent development to our Kuwait-bound workers,” it said.