DMW to assist overstaying OFWs in Kuwait avail of amnesty program

DMW Building. (File Photo: Department of Migrant Workers/Facebook)

MANILA – The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured overstaying overseas Filipino workers who wish to avail of the Kuwaiti government’s amnesty program that the Philippine government is ready to assist them.

In a news release on Tuesday, the DMW said that its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Kuwait is ready to provide information on the process and steps to be followed to avail of the amnesty, including securing new passports at the Philippine embassy in case they are expired.

Overstaying Filipinos without a valid passport but who intend to apply or regularize their stay in Kuwait will need to apply for a new passport during the three-month amnesty period from March 17 to June 17.

DMW will also help in the repatriation of overstaying OFWs who will choose to return home.

“As of March 24, 2024, MWO-Kuwait provided advice to around 500 OFWs regarding their queries on Kuwait’s amnesty program,” the release read.

On March 14, the Kuwait Interior Ministry announced the three-month amnesty period for foreigners with residency violations, specifically those whose civil identification cards have expired or been canceled.

Under the amnesty, foreigners who illegally stay in Kuwait, including their family members, but wish to continue their residency may adjust their immigration status provided they pay for overstaying fines and comply with other requirements.

The interior ministry said residency fines are set at two Kuwaiti dinar per day, equivalent to about PHP365.

The DMW said the Kuwaiti government will allow overstaying foreigners to leave without paying immigration fines, but those with travel bans and pending criminal complaints can depart only after the cases are resolved.

“Overstaying foreigners who depart Kuwait during the amnesty period may return after complying with entry requirements. After the grace period, those who refuse to depart will be subject to arrest and permanent deportation,” the DMW said.

For more information, OFWs may contact MWO-Kuwait hotlines 6040-3858, 6558-5355, or 9403-9063, or send an email to mwo_kuwait@dmw.gov.ph.

The Kuwaiti government last issued an amnesty for illegally staying foreigners in 2021.