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Advocates Philippines
Tulfo Calls For Suspension Of Filipino Domestic Worker Deployment To Kuwait Amid Recent Killings
Photo credit: Senate PH
Senate Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Raffy Tulfo is urging the Philippine government to suspend the deployment of new Filipino household service workers (kasambahays) to Kuwait following the tragic killing of several Filipino domestic workers, including Dafnie Nacalaban. During a Senate hearing on January 21, Tulfo shared that he receives an overwhelming average of 150 complaints per day from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) worldwide, many of whom report abuse, maltreatment, or being underpaid by their foreign employers.
While acknowledging that Filipino domestic workers are known for their hard work, Tulfo highlighted the systemic issues that often arise, mainly due to problematic and abusive employers. He strongly believes that these employers are not properly vetted before hiring Filipino workers. "Sending our workers to Kuwait without fixing the current system is like sending them to the lion's den," Tulfo remarked.
To address these ongoing issues, Tulfo has renewed his call for a deployment ban until the Philippine government can sit down with Kuwaiti officials and agree on stricter requirements for employers. He proposed that prospective employers undergo a neuro-psychiatric evaluation, submit police clearances, and provide proof of financial capacity to pay their workers fairly.
Moreover, Tulfo stressed the importance of conducting surprise inspections of employers' households to ensure a safe environment for Filipino workers. He also suggested that foreign employers be required to attend seminars that introduce them to Filipino culture, fostering better understanding and respect between both parties.
In response, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac acknowledged that the current spot inspection system is only in place for workers in Singapore. However, Cacdac emphasized the need for coordination with specific countries, like Kuwait, to implement the system effectively.
"If you want our workers, then this is what you need to do. If Kuwait refuses to coordinate with us, then we must stop sending domestic workers to their country," Cacdac asserted, pledging to take action on Tulfo's recommendations.
With these proposed changes, both officials hope to protect Filipino workers abroad and ensure that their safety and rights are properly upheld.
While acknowledging that Filipino domestic workers are known for their hard work, Tulfo highlighted the systemic issues that often arise, mainly due to problematic and abusive employers. He strongly believes that these employers are not properly vetted before hiring Filipino workers. "Sending our workers to Kuwait without fixing the current system is like sending them to the lion's den," Tulfo remarked.
To address these ongoing issues, Tulfo has renewed his call for a deployment ban until the Philippine government can sit down with Kuwaiti officials and agree on stricter requirements for employers. He proposed that prospective employers undergo a neuro-psychiatric evaluation, submit police clearances, and provide proof of financial capacity to pay their workers fairly.
Moreover, Tulfo stressed the importance of conducting surprise inspections of employers' households to ensure a safe environment for Filipino workers. He also suggested that foreign employers be required to attend seminars that introduce them to Filipino culture, fostering better understanding and respect between both parties.
In response, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac acknowledged that the current spot inspection system is only in place for workers in Singapore. However, Cacdac emphasized the need for coordination with specific countries, like Kuwait, to implement the system effectively.
"If you want our workers, then this is what you need to do. If Kuwait refuses to coordinate with us, then we must stop sending domestic workers to their country," Cacdac asserted, pledging to take action on Tulfo's recommendations.
With these proposed changes, both officials hope to protect Filipino workers abroad and ensure that their safety and rights are properly upheld.
Jan 22, 2025
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