Detained Filipino diplomats in Kuwait to be freed in 2-3 days

Secretary Cayetano in Kuwait. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano arrived in Kuwait on Thursday and will be meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister H.E. Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah on Friday to discuss the state of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Kuwait, in particular the proposed memorandum of understanding on the employment of household service workers. The Secretary was met at the airport by Kuwaiti Ambassador to Manila Musaed Saleh Ahmad Althwaikh and Philippine Consul General Noordin Lomondot. (Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs/Facebook)

MANILA — The three Filipino diplomats ordered arrested by Kuwait authorities are expected to be released in two to three days, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque made this announcement after he and other Philippine officials met with Kuwaiti Deputy Foreign Minister H.E. Al-Khaled Sulaiman Al-Jarallah.

The Foreign Minister of Kuwait assured that the release of the three Filipino diplomats “are now being worked out with the Interior Ministry.”

“The diplomats are expected to be released in two to three days,” Roque said in a statement sent to media.

The three Filipino diplomats were earlier charged with kidnapping for their involvement in the rescue operation of distressed Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait.

Meanwhile, Roque also said that the Philippine officials also met Minister of State for Economic Development H.E. Hind Sabeeh Barrak Al-Sabeeh.

Minister Al-Sabeeh discussed the formulation and possible amendment of a model employment contract for all domestic helpers from 91 countries, who are currently working in Kuwait.

Under the model contract, workers would enjoy the following: one day off, a 12-hour sleep or rest period, protection from physical abuse, and the right to a decent meal.

The minister was keen to the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for OFW protection in Kuwait, which is expected to take place this Friday (May 11).