DFA: Kuwait suspension applies to new entry visas

MANILA, Philippines — The Kuwaiti government’s decision to suspend the issuance of entry visas to Filipinos applies only to new ones, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified yesterday.

This means that those with existing entry visas will be allowed to enter Kuwait and efforts to ensure that airlines clearly understand this are being carried out.

In a statement, the DFA said it “confirms that the Kuwaiti government has suspended the issuance of new entry visas for Philippine nationals into Kuwait.”

“However, those holding current residence visas, which is evidenced by their possession of a Kuwait civil ID (iqama) can leave and enter Kuwait,” the DFA added.

The DFA said the Philippines remains committed to discussing and resolving bilateral issues with all countries in an amicable manner.

In Kuwait’s case, the DFA said it is 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.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) yesterday urged overseas Filipino workers affected by the visa suspension to contact the National Reintegration Center for OFWs hotlines at 09567821309 and 09603532532 or email [email protected] in order to avail themselves of assistance.

The DMW vowed to use “labor diplomacy” in resolving the issues between the host government and the Philippines.

The Kuwaiti government suspended the issuance of entry and work visas to Filipinos effective last May 10 over alleged violations of a treaty between the two countries.

Local recruiters said Kuwait’s decision may adversely affect between 3,000 and 15,000 Kuwait-bound OFWs, depending on the length of the suspension.

Records show that there are around 290,000 OFWs based in Kuwait. — Rhodina Villanueva