27-5-2023 (MANILA) President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed his disapproval of the proposal to ban the deployment of Filipino migrant workers to Kuwait. Kuwait recently suspended the issuance of new visas to Filipinos due to concerns related to a bilateral labor agreement signed in 2018.
During a media briefing on Friday, Marcos stated that the Philippines has not violated the agreement and also respects Kuwait’s decision to impose the ban. Earlier this year, the Philippines halted the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait following the tragic death of Jullebee Ranara in January. This incident prompted a review of the 2018 labor agreement, which aimed to enhance the protection of overseas Filipino workers in Kuwait.
Marcos emphasized that imposing blanket bans may sometimes be an overreaction and not the appropriate response. He highlighted the importance of not “burning bridges” with Kuwait, as the situation could still change, and Filipino workers might be allowed to return in the future.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers have engaged in discussions with their counterparts in Kuwait regarding the ban. The Philippine government remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining shelters for distressed overseas Filipino workers, considering it non-negotiable and mandated by Philippine law.
Regarding the proposal for a deployment ban, Marcos asserted that the proper response is to acknowledge the Kuwaiti government’s decision to halt the issuance of new visas. He expressed his reservations about bans, citing the need to address the welfare and protection of overseas Filipino workers in a more comprehensive manner.
Migrante, an advocacy group for migrant workers, has voiced concerns about the adverse effects of deployment bans, arguing that they reduce workers to mere bargaining chips for governments and fail to address the underlying issues of worker welfare and protection.
