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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PH concludes bilateral talks with Kuwait, insists OFWs' protection a primary concern

PH concludes bilateral talks with Kuwait, insists OFWs' protection a primary concern

Published May 18, 2023 09:07 am
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reiterated on Thursday, May 18, that its primary concern is the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait even as it respects the laws of the Arab State. (File photo by Manila Bulletin) This was emphasized as representatives from the DMW, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) concluded a two-day bilateral discussion with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Kuwait on May 17. “On issues related to services being rendered to our migrant workers, the delegation explained that all actions taken by the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Government are solely to ensure the safety and welfare of our own nationals. Providing protection to a country’s citizens abroad is a well-established duty of consular offices under international law and conventions,” the DMW stressed. The DFA and DMW have assured migrant workers affected by the suspension of Kuwaiti visa that the government will extend full support and assistance to them and their families. Meanwhile, the Philippine government said it remains “open to constructive dialogue” with Kuwait on how to address their current concerns. The DMW added that the Philippine delegation expressed “full respect for Kuwaiti laws” and appreciated the hospitality of its government and people to more than 200,000 OFWs there. “We thank the Kuwait government for its hospitality throughout the delegation’s two-day visit,” the DMW expressed. Recently, the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry ordered a [temporary suspension](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/12/dmw-says-prioritizing-welfare-of-of-ws-amid-kuwait-visa-suspension-1) of new entry visas to Filipinos.  It cited supposed [violations by the Philippine government](https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/12/dfa-exec-kuwait-halting-issuance-of-visas-for-pinoys-measure-of-pressure-for-ph-to-lift-deployment-ban) of the 2018 bilateral agreement between the two nations, particularly the initiative to set up a shelter for runaway Filipino household workers and the effort to reach out to Kuwaiti employers over reports of abuses, which are supposedly not applicable under Kuwaiti laws.
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