Recruiters back extension of ban on OFW deployment to Kuwait

A group of recruitment companies expressed support on the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend the suspension of the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait. (Photo by Lindsay Silveira/Flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0)

MANILA — A group of recruitment companies expressed support on the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend the suspension of the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait.

“Although we are understandably saddened because of the impact on our industry sector, we agree with the decision of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to suspend indefinitely the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait and to repatriate OFWs there who are in distress situations and want to return home to be with their families,” the Philippine Association of Agencies for Kuwait (PHILAAK) said in a statement, adding that they are coordinating with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

The organization also seeks to present their policy recommendations to the President and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III on how to ensure the welfare of OFWs not only in the Gulf state but around the world.

“We are also in the process of formulating a set of policy and other recommendations so that the Duterte administration will have additional options on how to save our fellow Filipinos from slavery and human trafficking and be more effective in the delivery of services to OFWs not just in Kuwait but worldwide,” the statement said.

“We will present these recommendations to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III soon, so we can give him our best advice for the welfare of OFWs,” the PHILAAK added.

The group said they advocate unity among all recruitment agencies and has touted their adherence to a common standard of best and responsible practices throughout the industry.

On Friday, Duterte said the suspension on the deployment of OFWs to Kuwait stays amid the deaths of several Filipino workers in Kuwait.