By Gabriela Baron
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) rolled out an assistance package for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by Kuwait visa suspension.
DMW Secretary Susan Ople said Saturday, May 20, that the agency is ready to aid 815 OFWs whose travel to Kuwait has been deferred due to visa issuance suspension for newly hired Filipino workers.
“We have agreed on a financial package and job-matching efforts for those whose dreams of working in Kuwait have been put on hold, temporarily, as both countries find the best way forward in addressing current concerns,” Ople said.
Ople noted the DMW created a dedicated email to respond to queries and concerns related to job opportunities in Kuwait.
“If you have concerns related to employment in Kuwait, please write to ofwkuwait@dmw.gov.ph,” Ople said.
Based on the data of DMW, at least 515 of the 815 directly affected OFWs belong to the domestic workers’ category, while the rest are mostly in the service sector, with a few working as nurses.
“The DMW met with private recruitment agencies with job orders for Kuwait and elsewhere to discuss joint efforts to help their workers look for either foreign or local employment so that they can continue to earn for their families,” Ople continued.
Ople said the DMW is preparing a financial aid package of P30,000 per Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)-holder who has already spent money in applying for Kuwait and has fulfilled all the requirements as an overseas Filipino worker.
OEC is a document issued by the DMW as proof that a worker went through the legal process in applying for a job overseas.
Data from the DMW shows that there are around 270,000 OFWs in Kuwait. – cf
