Kuwait ready to discuss Filipino worker issues

Deputy foreign minister reacts to Duterte’s move to ban Filipinos from working in Gulf country

Kuwait rejects any breach of its sovereignty and laws and would act decisively against any escalation, Deputy Foreign Minister Khalid Al Jarallah has said.

In the first official reaction to the permanent ban on the deployment of Filipino workers to Kuwait announced by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Al Jarallah said Kuwait was ready to cooperate with Manila to explore all means to address labour issues, including the status of the 800 Filipino citizens who are staying in shelters in the country.

“Kuwait is keen on maintaining the safety and rights of all expatriates, including the Filipino community, within the framework of the labour laws of the country that have been praised by international human rights agencies,” Al Jarallah was quoted by the Kuwait News Agency (Kuna) as saying.

He said Kuwait appreciated the contributions of the Filipino community.

Kuwait shares Duterte’s desire to maintain the deep-rooted relations, he added, highlighting Manila’s support for Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion in 1990.

“The historic friendship between the two countries should help overcome these exceptional circumstances.

Kuwait is looking forward to working with friends in the Philippines to broaden relations, boost cooperation and achieve shared interests,” he said. On Sunday, Duterte said the temporary ban on the deployment of Filipinos in Kuwait was now permanent.

“The ban stays permanently. There will be no more recruitment [of Filipinos for Kuwait],” Duterte said.

Instead of Kuwait, the government is considering sending Filipinos to China and other areas, he said.

“Duterte also mentioned Japan as another destination.

“This [Japan] is an ageing society. There would be a lot of caregivers [needed],” he said, adding the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) could help develop or train OFWs. However, he was immediately criticised by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

“It is extremely reckless, shortsighted and uncaring,” she said.