‘No decision yet’ on Kuwait deployment ban, DFA says

January 26, 2025 , 01:56 PM

By Bea Rollo

(January 26, 2025) – No final decision has been made regarding the proposed Overseas Filipino workers (OFW) to Kuwait, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega addressed the issue during a news forum in Quezon City, following reports claiming that Manila had already implemented the ban.

“At the very least, what will come out for sure are stricter rules on hiring of household workers, that much I can say,” De Vega said.

He stressed that the DFA prefers a long-term solution rather than a “temporary ping-pong solution” where a ban is imposed only to be lifted shortly after.

ALSO READ: Deployment ban isn’t solution to OFW abuses in Middle East, says group

In 2018, then-President Rodrigo Duterte implemented a deployment ban to Kuwait following the killings of domestic workers Joanna Demafelis, Constancia Dayag, and Jeanelyn Villavende. This ban was eventually lifted in 2020.

Then in 2023, the tragic case of Jullebee Ranara, another domestic worker killed in Kuwait, sparked renewed demands for stronger protections for OFWs.

De Vega emphasized the need for stronger guarantees beyond the 2018 agreement between the Philippines and Kuwait.

“DFA will defer to DMW. But we want any ban to be well-thought of because if we ban, it should be something that we’re sure of that we will not suddenly rescind,” he added.

When asked if the DFA supports a ban, De Vega said the department would defer to the DMW but emphasized the importance of a well-thought-out approach.

Recently, Sen. Raffy Tulfo, chair of the committee on migrant workers, renewed his call for a total deployment ban in Kuwait following the deaths of domestic helpers Dafnie Nacalaban and Jenny Alvarado.

The remains of Alvarado were laid to rest on Sunday morning.

‘PAALAM, JENNY’

Inilibing na ang nasawing OFW sa Kuwait na si Jenny Alvarado, Linggo ng umaga, Jan. 26. #News5 | via Reiniel Pawid pic.twitter.com/yqOhBVsVBV
— News5 (@News5PH) January 26, 2025

Tulfo suggested that stricter requirements for Kuwaiti employers should be imposed. He proposed including proof of financial capacity and neuro-psychiatric evaluations.

The issue remains under review, with the Philippine government aiming to balance worker safety and diplomatic ties.

(AAD)

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