The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed that Kuwait has halted the issuance of new entry visas for Filipinos, effective immediately until further notice.
"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," the DFA said in a statement on Friday, May 12.
While the reason behind the suspension was not disclosed, it has been reported that the move was due to the Philippines' failure to comply with a bilateral labor agreement.
In response to the issue, the DFA expressed optimism that both countries' friendly relations and strong people-to-people links would lead to a satisfactory solution.
"In the case of Kuwait, we are confident that with our friendly relations and strong people-to-people links, we shall be able to find a mutually satisfactory solution that will take into account the need to provide maximum protection and access to justice for all our nationals working in the country," it added.
The Philippines had previously banned the deployment of first-time workers to Kuwait after the death of Jullebee Ranara, a domestic helper who was killed by her employer's son.
