BY DANIE MAE FAJARDO-DELA CRUZ
MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) led by Secretary Susan Ople vowed to pursue the track of labor diplomacy in ensuring the welfare and safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after the Kuwaiti government suspend the issuance of new entry visas to Filipinos.
“We have been informed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Kuwait government’s decision…(we) await more details as to the rationale and issues surrounding the action of the Kuwait government,” it added.
The ban took effect on May 10.
There have been unconfirmed reports that the reason for Kuwait’s decision was the Philippines’ alleged non-compliance with its bilateral labor agreement with the oil-rich Gulf state.
“We are working closely with the DFA and the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait (PE-Kuwait) in a unified, whole-of-government approach to 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,” according to the DMW.
It assured Filipinos that the department stands ready to assist OFWs affected by this action of the Kuwait government.
“We urge our affected Kuwait-bound OFWs to connect with us directly through the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) hotlines at 09567821309 and 09603532532 or to email nrco@dmw.gov.ph so we may assist them,” added the DMW.
It added: “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.”
A Philippine delegation is scheduled to visit Kuwait this month to discuss the ban. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Paul Cortes did not provide specific dates but said the delegation would leave Manila in the coming days.
He said the ban and suspension of entry visa issuance were only formally communicated to the DFA on Friday and Kuwait has yet to officially provide a reason behind its decision.
The ban, local press reported, stems from the country’s alleged non-compliance with the 2018 labor agreement concerning the operation of a temporary shelter for distressed Filipinos inside the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency)/PN
