WITH the looming resumption of deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday vowed to institute stronger protective measures and policies.
In a statement, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be allowed to work in Kuwait as soon as the agency comes out with the improved guidelines for deployment.
“We assure OFWs, who will be deployed to Kuwait, of stronger protection and enhanced monitoring of their conditions,” he said.
Among the new policies are the adoption of a system for blacklist and whitelist of recruitment agencies and employers, and provision of salaries through electronic payment to ensure timely payment of wages.
The Department said welfare officers will also be appointed to monitor, report, and assist OFWs in the whole-cycle of their labor migration.
Lastly, the DMW said both countries have agreed to establish a joint technical working committee to immediately and periodically meet and resolve labor-related issues and other concerns.
On Tuesday, Cacdac announced the reopening of the Kuwait market to OFWs, which was closed in May 2023.
This would pave the way for the resumption of the deployment of professional, skilled, and semi-skilled Filipino workers as well as domestic workers with prior experience working overseas to Kuwait. — Gerard Naval
