Image from the Facebook post of Philippine Embassy in Kuwait.
Filipinos already in Kuwait will be provided “maximum protection,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday to ease the worries of the migrant community in the Gulf nation following its sudden suspension of new entry visas for Filipinos.
Still awaiting an official communication from the Kuwaiti government about the reasons for the suspension, DFA spokesperson Tessie Daza said the Philippines remained committed to resolving any labor issue with Kuwait in an “amicable manner.”
PH ‘violations’
“We shall be able to find a mutually satisfactory solution that will take into account the need to provide maximum protection and access to justice for all our nationals working in the country,” Daza said.
Kuwaiti media earlier reported that the suspension stemmed from supposed “violations” committed by the Philippine government in connection with its rescue operations freeing Filipino workers from abusive employers and putting them in shelters.
The DFA earlier said the “blanket suspension” appeared to cover all types of new entry visas, such as those issued for business, employment, tourism and studies.
DMW also on it
It also clarified that the suspension would not affect those with current residence visas (Iqama) or Kuwait civil ID.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it was also pursuing a diplomatic solution and coordinating with recruitment agencies, Filipino communities and leaders, and other stakeholders.
“We assure everyone that the DMW will work with all of its partners to mitigate the impact of this recent development [on] our Kuwait-bound workers,” the DMW said on Friday.