DOLE records drop in OFW abuses in Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reported a dramatic decline in number of abuses and labor cases among Filipino workers in Kuwait.

Labor attaché to Kuwait Cesar Chavez said they have recorded fewer labor and welfare cases filed by Filipino household service workers (HSWs).

Chavez also reported a small number of Filipino HSWs who ran away from their employers and sought refuge in government-run welfare homes.

He attributed the big reduction in domestic labor abuses last year to the proactive measures undertaken by Philippine agencies in charge of deployment to Kuwait and foreign recruitment agencies.

“The number of distressed workers at the welfare center is now down to 40 compared to hundreds in past years,” he said.

Chavez said new programs implemented by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) also helped improve the employment situation and lessen abuses against domestic workers.

According to Chavez, the POLO and local recruitment agencies succeeded in convincing foreign agencies to comply with the required $400 monthly salary for Filipino HSWs.

He said that cases of physical abuse are also immediately endorsed to the police for filing of appropriate charges against the erring employers while those of unpaid salaries are endorsed to the proper labor office for settlement of money claims.

Welfare cases never affected the hiring of Filipinos, he said.

Kuwait is the sixth largest destination of OFWs.