DMW assisting overstaying Kuwait OFWs in visa amnesty program

 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has signified its willingness to help Kuwait-based Filipino workers who may want to avail of the Kuwaiti government’s visa amnesty program for foreign workers who have “overstayed their residences.”

“The DMW’s Migrant Workers Office in Kuwait issued Advisory No. 1 on March 21, 2024, to inform [Overseas Filipino Workers] of the process and steps they need to follow to avail themselves of the amnesty,” the agency said in a statement on Tuesday.

“This advisory comes after the Kuwaiti government announced a three-month amnesty period, from March 17 to June 17, 2024, for migrants whose stay in Kuwait is no longer valid. This includes overstaying migrant workers, specifically those whose Civil IDs have expired or been canceled,” it added.

DMW said “overstaying Filipinos” who possess no valid passport may apply or regularize their stay in Kuwait by applying for one at the Philippine embassy in Kuwait.

“As of March 24, 2024, MWO-Kuwait provided advice to some 500 OFWs regarding their queries on Kuwait’s Amnesty Program. The office is also preparing to facilitate the repatriation to the Philippines of those who choose to return home,” said DMW.

In 2018, Filipinos unlawfully staying in Kuwait were likewise given a chance to address concerns and legalize their stay.

Over 3,000 OFWs were then able to return in the following months due to the amnesty program.