Kuwait lifts ban on entry, worker visas for OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — The Kuwait government has lifted its year-long ban on the issuance of entry visas and worker visas for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), signaling a significant development in the labor relations of both countries.

The commitment to lift the OFW ban was made last June 13 by Kuwait’s Deputy First Prime Minister and Interior Minister Fahad Youssef Saud al-Sabah to the Philippine delegation led by Rep. Ron Salo, vice chairman of the House of Representatives’ committee on overseas workers affairs.

“We thank His Excellency Fahad and the Kuwait government for opening their doors to Filipinos to be able to work in Kuwait,” said Salo.

“Such protection will ensure that our OFWs’ overseas journey will become worthwhile,” the Kabayan party-list congressman added, as he also thanked Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac and Philippine embassy officials in Kuwait for ensuring OFWs’ protection.

A joint technical working group composed of competent authorities from the Philippines and Kuwait was also established.

The committee will periodically meet to address employment-related issues that may arise in the future.

Data from the Philippine embassy in Kuwait reveal that there are now around 245,000 Filipino workers in Kuwait, from around 268,000 Filipino workers prior to the ban. Moreover, 50 percent of the total domestic labor force in Kuwait is composed of Filipinos.