Skilled Filipino Workers Met With Their Countrys Labor Officials To Appeal For Exemption From Ban To Kuwait

Skilled Filipino workers met with their country’s labor officials Tuesday to appeal for exemption from the total deployment ban to Kuwait. According to the Coalition of Licensed Agencies for Domestic and Service Workers (CLADS) said about 10,000 Kuwait-bound skilled workers were affected by the ban following which the workers pleaded the deployment of first-time OFWs to Kuwait should be limited to household workers who they say are the most vulnerable to abuse. Most of these workers hold visas that are nearing expiration date or have employers waiting for them.

However, seafarers who will transit through or board in Kuwait to join their principals are also exempted. However, despite pleas from the workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials remained firm that they will maintain the ban until all Filipino workers in Kuwait are assured of protection.

In the meantime, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has asked for patience until a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed with the Kuwaiti government that will give extra protection to all Filipino workers. “It’s not easy to be sending you there and I’m not sure of your security, I’m not sure that you will be safe there. You are my responsibility,” Bello said.

;

One of the provisions under the MoU forbids employers from holding the passport of their Filipino employees. Though the signing of the MOU will not guarantee the removal of the ban, it may pave the way for smoother labor relations between Kuwait and the Philippines.

However, Bello went on to say he is not aware of any deal between Kuwait and the Philippine government to supposedly regulate the employment of OFWs in Kuwait. In the meantime, the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has said the ban on the overseas deployment of Filipinos may also be imposed on other countries. “The ban will continue and it will extend to other countries,” Duterte said Monday.

However, Duterte has not named the countries where he is planning the non-deployment of Filipinos. In a press briefing Tuesday, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said he has no idea which countries the President was referring to. The President also appealed to other countries hosting Filipino workers to ensure they are treated humanely. “The only thing… that we ask is that you give us the dignity of a human being, you treat us humanely, be tolerant of our cultural differences and do not abuse our women because it will inflict a long and lasting wound. Maybe this generation cannot and will not forget it,” Duterte said. “That is why, I’m addressing myself, not only to Kuwait but to the entire nations in the world to say that Filipinos are everywhere seeking livelihood, can I please plead to you? Please do not degrade them like animals, do not treat them as a slave,” said the President.

SOURCE : ARABTIMES

Comments Post Comment

Leave a Comment

Submit