Another deployment ban to Kuwait? Salo says it will hurt 260,000 OFWs


At a glance

  • Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo has told the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) not to pursue a new deployment ban fo Kuwait as it would negatively affect over an quarter of a million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there.


FB_IMG_1737363010486.jpgKabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (Facebook)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo has told the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) not to pursue a new deployment ban fo Kuwait as it would negatively affect over an quarter of a million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there.

Salo made this appeal Monday, Jan. 20, following the reported deaths of OFWs Dafnie Nacalaban and Jenny Alvarado in Kuwait.

"We appeal to the DMW to seriously study and rethink its reported consideration of another deployment ban, and to adopt a more nuanced and strategic approach," the former chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs said in a statement.

"An outright ban may exacerbate the situation of approximately 260,000 Filipinos currently working in Kuwait, potentially placing them in even more precarious positions," noted Salo.

"Past experiences have shown that deployment bans often lead to unintended consequences. During previous bans, many OFWs with expired contracts chose to remain with their employers, fearing they would not be allowed to return if they went home," he said.

"Others were forced to seek new employers who had not been properly vetted, exposing them to greater risks. This was tragically the case for Dafnie Nacalaban, who transferred to an unvetted new employer at the time of her death," Salo said.

The veteran congressman described the deaths of Nacalaban and Alvarado as "untimely deaths" that have brought "immense sorrow to their families and our nation".

"Their loss underscores the vulnerabilities of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and the urgent need to strengthen existing protective mechanisms," Salo said.

 

No breach from Kuwaiti government

Regarding the proposed deployment ban, Salo noted that these are typically implemented when a host country violates an existing bilateral agreement.

"Crimes committed by private individuals, though deeply tragic, do not necessarily constitute a breach by the Kuwaiti government. Determining the host government’s breach, if any, is vital before imposing such an extreme measure," he said.

We call on the DMW to pursue diplomatic engagements with Kuwaiti authorities to bolster protections for OFWs without resorting to an outright ban. 

"Upskilling and deployment of more physically and psychologically-prepared workers, enhanced monitoring and support mechanisms, stricter regulations, and the vigorous enforcement of existing labor agreements can provide a more effective and balanced solution to these pressing concerns," Salo said.

At any rate, the veteran legislator said Philippine authorities must continue to seek justice for the two OFWs.

"We urge the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to work closely with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure justice is served for Dafnie and Jenny. Holding the perpetrators accountable and adopting proactive measures to prevent similar tragedies are critical steps forward," he said.