Kuwait says it will discuss visa ban with Philippines if demands met

Kuwait said yesterday it was open to negotiations with the Philippines on its visa ban for Filipino workers.

But first, Manila must stop breaking Kuwaiti law in helping its nationals who flee employers and admit to previous violations, said Deputy Foreign Minister Mansour Al Otaibi.

Kuwait’s government last week suspended all new work visas for Philippines citizens, in a dispute over the protection of workers.

This followed Manila’s decision in February to stop sending first-time workers to Kuwait, after Filipina housemaid Jullebee Ranara was killed in the country the previous month. A 17-year-old boy was held in connection with her death.

Kuwait accuses the Philippines embassy of a number of employment violations.

These include organising shelters for runaway Filipino workers, searching for runaway workers without involving Kuwaiti authorities, communicating with Kuwaiti citizens without permission from authorities and pressuring employers to add clauses to work contracts, said officials.

“The Philippine embassy must admit its violation of Kuwaiti laws and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” said Mr Al Otaibi.

“The embassy must also pledge not to repeat its violations and that those responsible for these violations will be held accountable.”

A bilateral meeting was held two weeks ago to discuss the visa issue.

While Kuwait said it would continue a temporary ban on all types of visas for Filipino workers, it will renew visas for those with a residence permit who wished to continue working in the country.

Manila and Kuwait signed regulations on domestic staff in 2018. Almost 270,000 Filipinos work in Kuwait.