The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Wednesday recommended a targeted deployment ban of first-time overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Kuwait.
This was bared by DMW Undersecretary Anthonette Velasco-Allones during the Senate hearing on the tragic death of Jullebee Ranara, the domestic helper who was burned and murdered in Kuwait last January 22.
"Bukas si Sec. Toots [Susan Ople] sa panukala ninyo na mag-impose ng targetted ban," she told Senator Raffy Tulfo who presided the hearing.
"By that, we mean 'yung ban na ii-imposed ay para po sa household workers, new-hires bound for Kuwait," Velasco-Allones added.
She said that upon reviewing records, DMW found that first-time OFWs experience abuse and violence more than those who have long years of experience abroad.
"Ang bulto ng ating problema na nagkakaroon ng pagmamaltrato ay nandon sa mga new hires na umaalis. Kaya ito ang sabi ni Sec Toots na in the immediate na ito ay i-ban muna habang may pag-uusap po nagaganap," Velasco-Allones said.
Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Migrant workers, first called for the imposition of a total deployment ban in Kuwait.
He also recommended a mandatory screening which includes neuropsychiatric exams for all employers.
