DMW to roll out assistance package for OFWs directly affected by Kuwait visa
Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople said the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is ready to assist 815 overseas workers whose travel to Kuwait has been deferred due to the suspension of visa issuances for newly hired Filipino workers.
“We have agreed on a financial package and job-matching efforts for those whose dreams of working in Kuwait have been put on hold, temporarily, as both countries find the best way forward in addressing current concerns,” Ople said.
The DMW created a dedicated e-mail to respond to queries and concerns related to job opportunities in Kuwait and the assistance being offered to affected workers. “If you have concerns related to employment in Kuwait, please write to [email protected],” Ople said.
At least 515 of the 815 directly affected OFWs belong to the domestic workers’ category while the rest are mostly in the service sector, to be employed as waiters and waitresses, mall vendors, sales associates with a few to be working in Kuwait as nurses.
“The DMW met with private recruitment agencies with job orders for Kuwait and elsewhere to discuss joint efforts to help their workers look for either foreign or local employment so that they can continue to earn for their families,” Ople said.
The secretary also said that the DMW is preparing a financial aid package of P30,000 per OEC-holder who had already spent money in applying for Kuwait and has fulfilled all the requirements as an overseas Filipino worker. OEC stands for Overseas Employment Certificate, a document issued by the DMW as proof that a worker went through the legal process in applying for a job overseas.
Data from the DMW shows that there are around 270,000 OFWs in Kuwait. Out of that number, 196,000 continue to work in various households as domestic workers. The visa suspension order of the Kuwait government involves new entrants to the Kuwait job market.
“We are optimistic that all these issues raised by both parties in the talks will be resolved in due time. Meanwhile, life continues, and the Department of Migrant Workers is working closely with the private sector to help our workers and their families,” Ople said.
The secretary said the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office continue to work with Kuwait authorities on the repatriation of distressed OFWs. via DMW
