Al-Jarida reports that the recent talks between Kuwait and the Philippines hosted by Kuwait, involving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Public Authority for Manpower as well as a Philippine delegation visiting Kuwait, failed to achieve the desired results in reconciling the differences and lifting the ban on the sending of domestic workers from Manila. Bassam Al Shammari, a specialist in domestic labor issues, said that although the first days of discussions showed progress, friendship, and amiability, they failed to yield positive results.
The Philippines’ insistence that embassy shelters continue to operate in Kuwait despite early optimism, and the resolving of unresolved issues led to an impasse.
Kuwait refused this request due to legal reasons, which prevented the expected decision to lift the ban. Al-Shammari revealed that the Philippine government intends to invite Kuwait to Manila for bilateral talks shortly.
Al-Shammari said that negotiations could fail if the Philippines government insists upon the operation of the embassy shelters. Both nations would be back to square one.
Kuwait reiterated that the closing of shelters was a pre-requisite to lifting the ban for Filipino workers. Both countries have maintained their recent moratoriums.
The Philippine side raised concerns during the negotiation about the operation of the expatriate worker’s shelters run by the Public Authority for Manpower. They cited issues like prolonged absences of the workers, an absence of clear mechanisms for the restoration of the financial rights of the employees, as well as concern over late payments and end-of-service benefits.
Al-Shammari stressed the need to sign more Memorandums Of Understanding with countries that export labor, such as Nepal, Indonesia, and Ethiopia, to reduce costs of recruitment, particularly with Ramadan approaching.
In May, the ban was implemented after violations were reported, such as housing Filipino workers in private accommodation, breaking residency laws, and pressuring recruitment offices for domestic workers to interfere in contract termination procedures. Ban also covered improper treatment of foreigners during reviews by embassy officials and actions taken during contract renewals.
Via Arabtimes Kuwait
