The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) convened with Philippine recruitment agencies to discuss measures for enhancing the protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The dialogue, held at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City on January 24, 2025, is part of a broader consultation series aimed at reviewing deployment guidelines to Kuwait.
Led by Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation Patricia Yvonne Caunan, the discussions emphasized the DMW’s commitment to safeguarding OFW welfare, particularly for vulnerable workers. “Our policies are designed not just for compliance but to protect lives and prioritize our OFWs, who are at the core of our mission,” said Caunan.
The dialogue tackled issues such as monitoring workers onsite, employment contract terms, and compliance by recruitment agencies and their foreign counterparts. Recruitment agencies proposed shortening employment durations from two years to one year and specifying job descriptions in contracts.
The DMW urged agencies to monitor workers’ conditions and respond promptly to emergencies. Agencies were also reminded to ensure the return of workers upon contract completion and to report foreign recruitment agencies found engaging in exploitative practices.
Both sides agreed to explore salary increases for domestic workers and involve families in pre-departure seminars to better prepare them for the challenges of overseas employment.
Participants included members of the Philippine Association of Service Exporters Inc. (PASEI), the Philippine Recruitment Agencies Accredited to Saudi Arabia (PRAASA), and the Coalition of Licensed Recruitment Agencies for Domestic and Service Workers (CLADS).
