NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
DMW To Roll Out Assistance Package For Kuwait OFWs
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople has announced that the DMW is prepared to provide assistance to 815 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) whose travel to Kuwait has been deferred due to the suspension of visa issuances for newly hired Filipino workers. The department has devised a comprehensive financial package and job-matching efforts to support these affected individuals as both countries work towards addressing current concerns.
In response to the situation, the DMW has set up a dedicated email address, ofwkuwait@dmw.gov.ph, to address any queries or concerns related to employment opportunities in Kuwait and the assistance being offered to affected workers. Secretary Ople encourages those with concerns to reach out for support.
Among the 815 OFWs affected, approximately 515 belong to the domestic workers' category, while the rest are primarily employed in the service sector, such as waiters and waitresses, mall vendors, sales associates, and a few as nurses. To aid these workers in their employment search, the DMW has engaged in discussions with private recruitment agencies that have job orders for Kuwait and other destinations. The objective is to collaborate on joint efforts to help these workers find alternative foreign or local employment, ensuring they can continue to provide for their families.
To alleviate the financial burden faced by affected OFWs, the DMW is preparing a financial aid package amounting to P30,000 for each Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) holder who has already invested money in the application process for Kuwait and has fulfilled all the necessary requirements as an overseas Filipino worker. The OEC is an official document issued by the DMW, serving as proof that a worker has undergone the legal process of applying for a job overseas.
According to data from the DMW, there are approximately 270,000 OFWs currently in Kuwait, with around 196,000 of them employed as domestic workers in various households. It's important to note that the visa suspension implemented by the Kuwait government specifically affects new entrants to the Kuwait job market.
Secretary Ople remains optimistic that the concerns raised by both parties during discussions will be resolved in due time. In the interim, the Department of Migrant Workers continues to collaborate closely with the private sector to provide support to affected workers and their families. Additionally, the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office are actively engaged in cooperation with Kuwaiti authorities to facilitate the repatriation of distressed OFWs.
The DMW's commitment to assisting OFWs affected by the Kuwait visa suspension demonstrates the government's dedication to safeguarding the welfare and interests of its overseas workers. As efforts continue to find a resolution, the department remains steadfast in its mission to support OFWs and their families throughout this challenging period.
In response to the situation, the DMW has set up a dedicated email address, ofwkuwait@dmw.gov.ph, to address any queries or concerns related to employment opportunities in Kuwait and the assistance being offered to affected workers. Secretary Ople encourages those with concerns to reach out for support.
Among the 815 OFWs affected, approximately 515 belong to the domestic workers' category, while the rest are primarily employed in the service sector, such as waiters and waitresses, mall vendors, sales associates, and a few as nurses. To aid these workers in their employment search, the DMW has engaged in discussions with private recruitment agencies that have job orders for Kuwait and other destinations. The objective is to collaborate on joint efforts to help these workers find alternative foreign or local employment, ensuring they can continue to provide for their families.
To alleviate the financial burden faced by affected OFWs, the DMW is preparing a financial aid package amounting to P30,000 for each Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) holder who has already invested money in the application process for Kuwait and has fulfilled all the necessary requirements as an overseas Filipino worker. The OEC is an official document issued by the DMW, serving as proof that a worker has undergone the legal process of applying for a job overseas.
According to data from the DMW, there are approximately 270,000 OFWs currently in Kuwait, with around 196,000 of them employed as domestic workers in various households. It's important to note that the visa suspension implemented by the Kuwait government specifically affects new entrants to the Kuwait job market.
Secretary Ople remains optimistic that the concerns raised by both parties during discussions will be resolved in due time. In the interim, the Department of Migrant Workers continues to collaborate closely with the private sector to provide support to affected workers and their families. Additionally, the Philippine Embassy and the Migrant Workers Office are actively engaged in cooperation with Kuwaiti authorities to facilitate the repatriation of distressed OFWs.
The DMW's commitment to assisting OFWs affected by the Kuwait visa suspension demonstrates the government's dedication to safeguarding the welfare and interests of its overseas workers. As efforts continue to find a resolution, the department remains steadfast in its mission to support OFWs and their families throughout this challenging period.
May 20, 2023
