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Advocates Philippines
Marcos: PH To Continue Talks With Kuwait On Visa Issuance Halt For Filipino Workers
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Friday that the Philippine government would continue to engage in discussions and negotiations with Kuwaiti officials regarding their decision to halt the issuance of new visas to Filipino workers.
The statement was made during an interview at the 125th founding anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Manila.
Respecting Kuwait's authority over its own country, Marcos emphasized the need to keep the lines of communication open and expressed hope for ongoing negotiations.
He also mentioned the possibility of the situation changing in the future, allowing for the return of Filipino workers to Kuwait.
The president's remarks were in response to a proposal by Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Rachel Arenas to enforce a complete ban on the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to Kuwait.
Marcos disagreed with a blanket ban, citing the need to respond appropriately to the current circumstances.
“It’s their country. Those are their rules. So, we will just leave that issue open and hopefully we will continue to negotiate with them. We will continue to consult with them at baka sakali, down the road ay magbago ang sitwasyon, maibalik ngayon ang ating mga workers, lalo na ‘yung mga nabitin,” President Marcos said.
According to the president, around 800 OFWs were unable to enter Kuwait due to the recent deployment ban. He stressed the importance of working towards improving the situation and maintaining a positive relationship with Kuwait.
Marcos expressed a desire not to sever ties or "burn any bridges" with the Kuwaiti government, suggesting that the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait could resume when conditions improve.
The president cautioned against overreacting to the current situation, emphasizing the importance of responding based on the decisions made by the Kuwaiti government.
He urged a measured approach that considers the realities on the ground, and he believed that aligning with Kuwait's decision to suspend the issuance of new visas was the appropriate response.
The statement was made during an interview at the 125th founding anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Manila.
Respecting Kuwait's authority over its own country, Marcos emphasized the need to keep the lines of communication open and expressed hope for ongoing negotiations.
He also mentioned the possibility of the situation changing in the future, allowing for the return of Filipino workers to Kuwait.
The president's remarks were in response to a proposal by Pangasinan 3rd District Rep. Rachel Arenas to enforce a complete ban on the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to Kuwait.
Marcos disagreed with a blanket ban, citing the need to respond appropriately to the current circumstances.
“It’s their country. Those are their rules. So, we will just leave that issue open and hopefully we will continue to negotiate with them. We will continue to consult with them at baka sakali, down the road ay magbago ang sitwasyon, maibalik ngayon ang ating mga workers, lalo na ‘yung mga nabitin,” President Marcos said.
According to the president, around 800 OFWs were unable to enter Kuwait due to the recent deployment ban. He stressed the importance of working towards improving the situation and maintaining a positive relationship with Kuwait.
Marcos expressed a desire not to sever ties or "burn any bridges" with the Kuwaiti government, suggesting that the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait could resume when conditions improve.
The president cautioned against overreacting to the current situation, emphasizing the importance of responding based on the decisions made by the Kuwaiti government.
He urged a measured approach that considers the realities on the ground, and he believed that aligning with Kuwait's decision to suspend the issuance of new visas was the appropriate response.
May 26, 2023
