President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed reluctance on imposing a total ban on deploying Filipino workers to Kuwait, responding to calls after Kuwait ceased issuing new entry visas for Filipinos.
Kuwait had shut out overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) following alleged labor agreement breaches by the Philippine government.
The President said he believes that implementing a ban might be an excessive response to Kuwait’s visa ban on Filipinos.
“I’m never very comfortable ‘yung nagba-ban na ganun dahil parang ang pag-ban sinasabi mo forever na ‘yan, hindi na pwede,” said Marcos.
The Philippines’ initial ban, implemented in February of this year, was prompted by the brutal murder of OFW Jullebee Ranara.
While negotiations continue to address the strained relations, over 800 OFWs with job offers remain displaced.
Pangasinan Third District Rep. Rachel Arenas, chair of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, called for a total deployment ban, condemning the “heinous crimes” committed against Filipino migrant workers.
“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,” said Arenas.
