The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is evaluating a potential ban on sending overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait after the recent deaths of two workers, Dafnie Nacalaban and Jenny Alvarado.
Nacalaban was reported missing by her second employer in October and was later discovered deceased at the home of a Kuwaiti national. Alvarado tragically died from coal smoke inhalation at her workplace, along with colleagues from Nepal and Sri Lanka. Adding to her family’s anguish, the wrong cadaver was initially repatriated to the Philippines.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed that the possible deployment ban has been brought to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s attention. While the specifics are still under discussion, the ban might be limited to certain categories, such as domestic workers, or extend to all Filipino employees in Kuwait.
Currently, the Philippines already prohibits first-time domestic workers from being deployed to Kuwait. Secretary Cacdac also suggested the possibility of stricter regulations, emphasizing that the safety and welfare of OFWs are top priorities. However, the government also aims to balance these concerns with the employment needs of Filipino families dependent on remittances.
With approximately 215,000 OFWs in Kuwait, a ban could significantly affect many Filipino households. The DMW continues to assess the situation to determine the most appropriate course of action.
