OFWs affected by suspension of Kuwait visas get government aid

THE DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday provided job matching programs and financial aid to Kuwait-bound Filipino workers affected by the recent suspension of new visas for Filipinos in the Middle Eastern country.  

Migrant Workers Undersecretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac led the distribution of P30,000 in financial assistance to each of the more than 30 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who visited the DMW main office in Mandaluyong, the DMW tweeted.  

“The DMW assured the OFWs of sustained employment facilitation assistance so that they can continue to earn for their families,” the agency said.  

Kuwait suspended new work and entry visas for Filipinos on May 11. Only Filipinos already with valid visas may enter Kuwait starting May 10.   

Migrant Workers Secretary Maria Susana V. Ople earlier said there were 815 Kuwait-bound Filipinos affected by the ban.  

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier said it hoped to reach a “mutually satisfactory solution” to issues between the two countries, including the visa suspension. 

A delegation of Philippine government officials met with their Kuwait counterparts on May 16-17 to discuss migrant work issues.  

“The DFA and DMW wish to assure our migrant workers in Kuwait as well as their families of the government’s full support and assistance,” the Philippine foreign affairs agency said in a statement on May 18. — John Victor D. Ordoñez