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Stepping into life as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in foreign countries like Kuwait can often feel overwhelming. Adapting to a new culture, dealing with employment issues, and navigating legal systems in a foreign land are just a few of the hurdles OFWs may face. Recognizing these challenges, the Philippine government has been proactive in establishing a support system through Philippine agencies in Kuwait.
This is achieved through a network of agencies that not only aim to protect the rights and welfare of OFWs but also provide essential services ranging from legal assistance, labor dispute resolution, to cultural integration programs. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its overseas workers, acknowledging their significant contribution to the national economy. In this article, we covered 6 Philippine agencies in Kuwait you need to know as a migrant worker.
1. Migrant Workers Office (MWO) IN KUWAIT
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), under the executive department of the Philippine government, is tasked to protect the rights and promote the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The DMW is mandated to facilitate the overseas employment and reintegration of Filipino workers, while taking into consideration the national development programs of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). It is also tasked to promote the empowerment and protection of OFWs through continuous training and knowledge development. As an OFW in Kuwait, you can seek assistance from DMW through MWO whenever you need any services listed below.
Services:
- Verification of Employment Contracts
- Balik-Manggagawa Applications
- Assistance to OFWs with Labor- or Contract-Related Cases and Issues (e.g., unpaid salary and indemnity claims)
- Welfare Assistance
- Temporary Shelter to Distressed OFWs
- Conciliation and Counseling
- Repatriation of Documented OFWs to the Philippines
- Validation of COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates issued in Kuwait
Contact Information:
Address: Building 256, Street 213, Block 2, Sabah Al Salem Area, Kuwait
Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sundays to Thursdays
Telephone Numbers: +965 9403 9063; +965 6040 3858; +965 6558 5355
Email Address: [email protected]; [email protected]
Facebook Page: facebook.com/POLO.OWWA.KUWAIT
2. OVERSEAS WELFARE OFFICE (OWO) IN KUWAIT
Established in 1977, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) operates as a subsidiary entity under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). It serves as the primary government body entrusted with the responsibility of protecting and promoting the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families
Programs:
- Education and Training Assistance Program
- Training Program from Filipino Seafarers
- Education for Development Scholarship Program (for dependents of Overseas Filipino Workers)
- OFW Dependents Scholarship Program
- Education and Livelihood Assistance Program
- Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program
- Reintegration Program
- Enterprise Development and Loan Program
- Social Benefits Program
- Disability and Dismemberment Benefit
- Death and Burial Benefit
- OWWA E-Card
- OWWA Rebate Program
Contact Information:
Address: Building 256, Street 213, Block 2, Sabah Al Salem Area, Kuwait
Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Sundays to Thursdays
Telephone Numbers: +965 9403 9063; +965 6040 3858; +965 6558 5355
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Facebook Page: facebook.com/POLO.OWWA.KUWAIT
3. DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD) IN KUWAIT
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Kuwait is responsible for providing social welfare services and support to the Filipino community in Kuwait. It was established in response to Executive Order No. 15 Series of 1998, which mandates the DSWD to provide assistance to service providers, effectively projects, and services that alleviate poverty and empower disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities for an improved quality of life.
Services:
- Psychosocial Services
- Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation
- Repatriation Assistance for Undocumented Children and Their Parents
- Information and Referral Services (Parental Travel Permit, Child Custody, Solo Parents Information, Child Support)
Contact Information:
Address:Villa 35-A, Abdulrahman Al-Ghafeki Street, Block 1, Salwa Area, Kuwait
Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sundays to Thursdays
Telephone Numbers: +965 5038 0346 (WhatsApp)
Email Address: [email protected]
4. SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) IN KUWAIT
The Social Security System (SSS) in Kuwait was established to ensure that Filipino workers in the country are covered by social security benefits such as retirement, disability, sickness, maternity, and death benefits. Additionally, the SSS also provides loans, including salary, calamity, emergency, and housing loans, to eligible members to help them meet their financial needs.
Benefits:
- Sickeness Benefits
- Maternity Benefits
- Disability Benefits
- Unemployment Benefits
- Retirement Benefits
- Death Benefits
- Funeral Benefits
Contact Info:
Address: Villa 35-A, Abdulrahman Al-Ghafeki Street, Block 1, Salwa Area, Kuwait
Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sundays to Thursdays
Telephone Numbers: +965 6097 1901
Email Address: [email protected], [email protected]
Facebook Page: facebook.com/SSSKUWAITBRANCH
5. HOME DEVELOPMENT MUTUAL FUND (PAG-IBIG FUND) IN KUWAIT
Since 2009, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have been included in the membership coverage of the Pag-IBIG Fund under Republic Act No. 9679. Since then, Pag-IBIG Fund has collaborated with POEA to streamline the process of OFWs paying their Pag-IBIG contributions.
Being members of Pag-IBIG, OFWs can avail themselves of benefits including savings with dividends, short-term cash loans, and affordable housing loans. These benefits are designed to support OFWs both during their time working abroad and after their overseas employment ends.
Programs:
- Membership Savings
- Pag-IBIG 1 Savings Program
- Modified Pag-IBIG 2 Savings Program
- Short-Term Loan Programs
- Multi-Purpose Loan
- Calamity Loan
- Home Lending Programs
- End-User Home Financing Program
- Affordable Housing Loan Program
Contact Info:
Address: Villa 35-A, Abdulrahman Al-Ghafeki Street, Block 1, Salwa Area, Kuwait
Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sundays to Thursdays
Telephone Number: +965 9669 3777
Email Address: [email protected], [email protected]
6. SENTRO RIZAL IN KUWAIT
Sentro Rizal in Kuwait among the Philippine agencies in Kuwait. It serves as a hub of resources on Philippine culture, arts, history, and literature. It is managed by the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait and aims to promote Filipino culture and language globally. The Sentro Rizal in Kuwait operates as a library and provides various resources on Philippine culture and arts
Functions:
- Serve as the center of library and information resources of various formats on Philippine culture and the arts, history, and literature
- Promote the Philippines’ cultural and artistic heritage through organization of various programs, projects, activities, and events, in collaboration with relevant Philippine government agencies or with private sector organizations, local or foreign
- Promote the study of Philippine languages
- Advance cultural exchange between the Philippines and Kuwait
Services:
- Provision of library and information services on Philippine culture and the arts
- Assistance in viewing, presentation, and reproduction of films on Philippine culture and the arts, history, and heritage
- Assistance in cultural programs, events, and outreach activities
- Assistance in providing and sourcing out publications for donation to children of overseas Filipinos
Resources (in print or non-print form):
- Instructional materials that support the teaching of and learning on Philippine culture and the arts
- Filipino art magazines, journals, brochures, etc. (local and foreign)
- Filipino folklore, folk arts, folk tales, myths, and legends
- General reference materials about the Philippines such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks, atlases, maps, and other sources of information
Contact Info:
Address: Villa 15, Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 1, Salwa Area, Kuwait
Office Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Sundays to Thursdays
E-mail Address: [email protected]
Philippine Agencies In Kuwait Takeaways:
Understanding the services and agencies available to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in countries like Kuwait is very important for ensuring your safety, well-being, and success while working abroad. By being aware of these services and agencies, OFWs can access the support they need to address issues such as employment disputes, financial concerns, and personal well-being. Moreover, knowing about these resources empowers OFWs to assert their rights and seek assistance when faced with difficulties, fostering a safer and more secure environment for Filipino workers overseas. Thus, staying informed about these services and agencies is a must.
