A party-list representative emphasized the necessity for robust bilateral labor agreements (BLAs) to safeguard the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). This call for action followed Kuwait’s decision to lift its year-long ban on entry and worker visas for OFWs.
“Our bilateral labor agreements must be decisive and firm to ensure there is no room for abuses against our OFWs,” stated OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa Magsino in a PNA report. “If there are abuses, the agreements should impose serious consequences to deter foreign employers from committing similar transgressions.”
Kuwait’s recent policy change aligns with the Philippines’ proposal to limit the deployment of domestic workers to those with prior experience, reflecting a similar decision made in February 2023.
Magsino highlighted that while lifting the deployment ban would benefit the families of OFWs and the Philippine economy, it is crucial to implement stronger worker protection policies before resuming deployment.
She expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti government, the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the dedicated embassy and Migrant Workers Office officials in Kuwait for their efforts in securing livelihoods for Filipinos and contributing to the host country’s development.
BLAs, according to Magsino, should include clear provisions on social security, equal treatment, repatriation, investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses against OFWs, and legal remedies for them and their families to ensure justice.
The murder of OFW Jullebee Ranara previously led then-Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople to limit the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait to those with previous work experience, banning first-timers. In May 2023, Kuwait suspended all new visas for Philippine passport holders.
Following Kuwait’s recent decision, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced a two-week to one-month adjustment period to establish relevant issuances and work on regulations for the resumption of deployment of newly hired and skilled workers to Kuwait.
To further ensure OFW protection, Cacdac added that the Philippines and Kuwait agreed to form a joint technical working committee to periodically address labor-related issues and other concerns.
