The Philippine Ministry of Labor, in collaboration with the Migrant Workers Administration and the Association of Secretaries of Employment Agencies in Manila, has initiated extensive efforts to break the ongoing deadlock between the Philippines and Kuwait. The aim is to resume a joint dialogue and reach a consensus to resolve the labor dispute that exists between the two countries.
Following the ban imposed by Kuwait on the recruitment of Filipino workers since May of last year, the ban has now been lifted. Bassam Al-Shammari, an expert in domestic worker affairs, has stated that a delegation from the Philippine Ministry of Labor is expected to visit Kuwait in December. The purpose of this visit is to bridge the gap in viewpoints and ensure the swift resumption of sending new domestic workers from Manila, particularly in light of recent moratorium decisions issued by both countries.
If these joint efforts are successful in resolving the current crisis, the ban will be lifted, and Filipino workers will begin returning to Kuwait during the first quarter of 2024. The Kuwaiti market currently hosts an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic workers, comprising 50 percent of the total number of female household workers. This highlights the significance of this category of labor, as it is preferred by both Kuwaiti and expatriate families for several reasons, including ease of communication, a good educational background, and familiarity with local customs and traditions.
Al-Shammari further emphasized, “Once the ban is lifted, we anticipate the entry of thousands of new Filipino workers into the Kuwaiti market. This is especially crucial due to the severe shortage of these workers, which has been exacerbated by the decision to halt the issuance of new visas. Additionally, many workers are choosing not to renew their contracts, as they are limited to a two-year term.”
The resumption of sending OFWs from Manila to Kuwait is a positive development for both countries. It signifies a renewed commitment to bilateral cooperation and the recognition of the valuable contributions made by Filipino workers to the Kuwaiti economy. Moreover, the lifting of the ban will address the labor shortage and ensure the provision of essential services to Kuwaiti and expatriate families.
It is important to note that the ongoing efforts to resume the flow of Filipino workers to Kuwait reflect the shared understanding between the two nations. The lifting of the ban demonstrates Kuwait’s recognition of the importance of Filipino workers and their positive impact on society. The forthcoming visit by the Philippine Ministry of Labor delegation signifies the commitment to resolving any existing differences through open dialogue and negotiation.
As both countries work towards a resolution, it is crucial to maintain open lines of communication and foster stronger ties. This will ensure the continued protection and welfare of Filipino workers in Kuwait, as well as promote a harmonious working relationship between the two nations.
In conclusion, the anticipated resumption of sending OFWs from Manila to Kuwait in the first quarter of 2024 marks a significant step towards resolving the labor dispute between the Philippines and Kuwait. The joint efforts being undertaken by both countries demonstrate their commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution. This development will not only address the labor shortage in Kuwait but also reaffirm the importance of Filipino workers and their valuable contributions to the Kuwaiti society.
Source: TimesKuwait
