The Philippines is anticipating the resumption of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) deployments to Kuwait by the first quarter of 2024, following recent discussions between officials from both nations. The talks primarily revolved around the suspension of OFW deployments and the role of welfare centers in protecting Filipino workers.
Migration expert Manny Geslani reported that the two governments engaged in dialogue to address concerns related to the hiring of OFWs, with the possibility of a new agreement being reached before March next year. Once the suspension is lifted, it is expected that approximately 30,000 household service workers (HSWs) will be deployed to Kuwait.
To ensure a smooth and safe deployment process, Philippine Agencies Accredited to Kuwait have collaborated with foreign recruitment agencies to establish a “white list” of qualified agencies permitted to send OFWs to Kuwait.
The deployment suspension initially arose earlier this year after the tragic incident involving the killing of helper Jullebee Ranara in Kuwait. In response, the Philippine government temporarily halted the deployment of Filipino HSWs to Kuwait, prompting Kuwait to implement a ban affecting all Filipino migrants except those holding resident visas.
Currently, there are around 280,000 OFWs residing in Kuwait, with the majority employed as household service workers.