Arenas calls for total ban on deployment of OFWs to Kuwait

HOUSE Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairperson Rachel Arenas strongly condemns the heinous crimes committed against Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait and calls for a total ban on the deployment of OFWs in that country.

She believes that the decision of the Kuwaiti government to suspend the issuance of new entry visas for Filipinos is a way to “pressure” the Philippine government to lift its deployment ban on first-time household Filipino workers to their country.  She argued that this ban is an act of retribution that severely escalates tensions between our two countries. 

Arenas who has been actively assisting OFWs who were victims of abuse together with her mother former Deputy Speaker Rose Marie ‘Baby’ Arenas reminded the Kuwaiti government that the decision of the Philippines to issue a deployment ban to their country is rooted in its deplorable history of maltreatment against our OFWs most especially domestic workers. She said this coercion style does not sit well with the Filipino people.  

“It pains me to see OFWs being abused – more so slaughtered by people whom they selflessly served. This barbaric act against our OFWs should be condemned by humanity and the entire international community. This only happens in Kuwait and the Kuwaiti government seems to have no teeth in implementing their laws. Our OFWs should be sent to countries who will treat them with dignity, protect their rights, and promote their welfare,” the woman legislator said.

Arenas urged the Executive not to succumb to the pressure from Kuwaitis and instead called for a complete deployment ban of all workers to Kuwait.  She opines, “This total deployment ban must be enforced until the Kuwaiti government sit down with our officials and agree to our demands. Until then, we should not entertain their demands and acts of intimidation.”