The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Friday declared its readiness to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who are affected by Kuwait's suspension of new entry visas.
In a statement, DMW said it is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait (PEK), as well as Philippine recruitment agencies, and Filipino communities and leaders on addressing the situation.
"The DMW stands ready to assist our OFWs affected by this action of the Kuwait government," it said.
“The DMW stands ready to assist our OFWs affected by this action of the Kuwait government.”
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) May 12, 2023
Ito ang pahayag ng @DMWPHL sa suspensyon ng gobyerno ng Kuwait sa new entry visa ng OFWs. | via @liezel_once #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/qxLUcB4Ng4
The agency urged affected Kuwait-bound OFWs, who seek assistance, to communicate with them via mobile numbers 09567821309 and 09603532532 or email them at [email protected].
“We shall continue to pursue the track of labor diplomacy in ensuring the welfare and safety of our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), while we await more details as to the rationale and issues surrounding the action of the Kuwait government,” DMW said.
In a statement on Friday morning, the foreign affairs department confirmed that the suspension took effect last Wednesday, May 10.
"The Kuwaiti Government has informed the Department of Foreign Affairs that Kuwait has suspended the issuance of new entry visas for PH nationals into Kuwait effective immediately until further notice," it said.
However, the DFA did not disclose the reason behind the suspension but some reports have stated that the move was due to the Philippines' failure to comply with a bilateral labor agreement.
