The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has expressed opposition to the idea of sending first-time overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait, following the reopening of the market to Filipino workers in June.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac emphasized the need to allow the current system, which requires domestic workers to have prior overseas experience, to fully develop.
“It’s only the third month of deployment, and about 2,500 have been deployed. Let’s give this system a chance to function for about a year,” Cacdac said in a Malaya report.
Cacdac also highlighted the department’s focus on ensuring proper preparation and protection for OFWs heading to Kuwait. This includes mandatory pre-departure orientation seminars and additional final briefings.
“We are closely monitoring all deployed workers to prevent any cases of abuse or rights violations,” he added.
The deployment of OFWs to Kuwait resumed after the Kuwaiti government lifted its suspension in June 2023. Since then, over 2,450 Filipino workers, particularly those with prior overseas experience, have been deployed to the Gulf state.
