THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday said hiring of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) remains suspended despite the resolution of the murder case of Jullebee Ranara.
In a press briefing, DMW officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac said negotiations on the proposed resumption of OFW deployment to Kuwait are still ongoing.
He said the resolution of Ranara’s case aided the openness of both sides to discuss a potential resumption of deployment.
The DMW on Wednesday night said Kuwait’s Appeal Court has upheld the guilty verdict and sentence of Ranara’s killer, a 17-year old son of her employer. The accused was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for murder, and one year imprisonment for driving without a license.
The Kuwaiti government indefinitely suspended the visa issuance to Filipino workers in May 2023. Since then, the DMW has repeatedly expressed its readiness to continue labor talks with Kuwait in the hope of resuming OFW deployment there.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo yesterday said that the affirmation of the conviction may be “big consolation” but authorities must ensure that her family will be paid in actual and moral damages.
Tulfo, in a statement, also said the deployment ban should stay until the damages are paid in full.
Tulfo said the government should also make sure that shelters are provided to OFWs in Kuwait, and the constant monitoring of their employers is “non-negotiable.”
Tulfo said there should also be strict background check of the employers of OFWs in the Middle East, especially in Kuwait, the moment the deployment ban is lifted. — With Raymond Africa
