Total ban sought on OFW deployment to Kuwait

MANILA, Philippines — A senior administration lawmaker is seeking a total ban on the government’s deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait due to “heinous crimes committed” on the Philippines’ migrant workers.

“It pains me to see OFWs being abused – more so slaughtered by people whom they selflessly served. This barbaric act against our OFWs should be condemned by humanity and the entire international community,” Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Rachel Arenas said.

Arenas, who chairs the committee on foreign affairs of the House of Representatives, added that this proposed “ban is an act of retribution that severely escalates tensions between our two countries.”

She also expressed belief that the decision of the Kuwaiti government to suspend the issuance of new entry visas for Filipinos is a way to “pressure” the Philippine government to lift its deployment ban on first-time household Filipino workers to Kuwait.

Stressing that this coercion style does not sit well with Filipinos, the former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chief reminded the Kuwaiti government that the decision of the Philippines to issue a deployment ban to their country is rooted in its deplorable history of maltreatment against OFWs, especially domestic workers.

“This only happens in Kuwait, and the Kuwaiti government seems to have no teeth in implementing their laws. Our OFWs should be sent to countries that will treat them with dignity, protect their rights, and promote their welfare,” she said.

Arenas also urged the executive department under President Marcos “not to succumb to the pressure from Kuwaitis and instead call for a complete deployment ban of all workers to Kuwait.”

“This total deployment ban must be enforced until the Kuwaiti government sits down with our officials and agree to our demands. Until then, we should not entertain their demands and acts of intimidation,” Arenas said.