ALL of the more than 400 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait are being eyed for repatriation by the end of January, according to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
In an online press briefing yesterday, DMW Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they are looking to bring home all the 421 distressed OFWs from the government-run “Bahay Kalinga” centers in Kuwait by the end of the month.
“The plan is to really bring all of them home within the month of January,” said Cacdac, adding they intend to bring home 300 to 350 OFWs within the next two weeks.
“Realistically, we are aiming to repatriate 200 to 250 the coming week,” he said.
Cacdac said the government will shoulder the expenses for the repatriation.
“Some foreign placement agencies here have also expressed willingness to shoulder the repartition costs. But we won’t wait for them if they are dragging their feet. We will be stepping in and arrange for their immediate repatriation,” said Cacdac.
A DMW contingent led by Cacdac had been sent to Kuwait over the weekend to check alleged poor living conditions of distressed OFWs in the Philippine government’s facility.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) chief Arnell Ignacio attributed the high number of OFWs in the facility to the holiday season.
“Usually, during the Christmas season, the number of those we are accommodating usually go up,” said Ignacio, who is part of the DMW contingent.
Cacdac said many of the OFWs are still waiting for the resolution of their cases or employment claims in Kuwait.
“A substantial number have expressed their willingness to go home. It is only a matter of clearing them with their respective employers. For those with cases filed, we will await resolution of their cases, but they are a minority. There will also be some with issues like wages, entitlements. Once the matter is cleared, they will be easily issued exit visas,” said Cacdac.
