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Philippines Weighs Deployment Ban to Kuwait

Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers considers stricter measures following recent tragedies involving Filipino workers in Kuwait.

  • Publish date: Monday، 20 January 2025
Philippines Weighs Deployment Ban to Kuwait

The Philippine government is considering a possible ban on deploying overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait after two recent deaths of Filipino workers raised concerns about their safety. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is studying the situation and exploring stricter rules to protect OFWs in the Gulf nation.

Philippines Weighs Deployment Ban to Kuwait

Tragic Losses

The deaths of Dafnie Nacalaban and Jenny Alvarado have sparked discussions about the welfare of Filipino workers in Kuwait. Nacalaban, who was reported missing in October, was later discovered dead in the residence of a Kuwaiti individual.

Meanwhile, Alvarado, along with Nepalese and Sri Lankan colleagues, tragically died from coal smoke inhalation at her workplace. Adding to her family's grief, a mix-up in the repatriation process initially sent the wrong remains to the Philippines, leading to public outrage.

Government Response

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been briefed on the situation. The DMW is considering whether the ban would apply to all workers or focus specifically on domestic workers, a group that already faces deployment restrictions for first-time applicants in Kuwait.

“We are evaluating whether suspending deployment will help. At the same time, we must also consider the opportunities for those with safe and stable jobs,” Cacdac said.

The DMW is also reviewing additional measures to ensure the safety of the approximately 215,000 OFWs currently working in Kuwait.

Stricter Policies Possible

The agency is exploring tighter requirements for Filipino workers seeking employment in Kuwait to reduce risks. “If our assessment shows that a deployment suspension is necessary, we will implement it,” Cacdac added.

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