A lawmaker is preparing a resolution for Sondos Al Qattan to be declared ‘persona non grata’ in the Philippines following her remarks questioning the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait.
In a statement, ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III said that a House resolution declaring Al Qattan ‘persona non grata’ would be submitted to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for approval and enforcement.
“No one has the right to treat our kababayans (countrymen) as slaves because they go to [a]foreign country to find a decent living for the sake of their families,” said Bertiz.
“Ms. Al Qattan should realize the contribution of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in various countries in the world, not just in Kuwait,” he said.
If Bertiz’ request will be approved, Al Qattan will not be allowed to enter the Philippines.
Earlier, Al Qattan, a Kuwaiti beauty blogger and social media star with over 2.3 million followers on Instagram, ranted on social media and questioned the Kuwaiti government’s decision saying that she does not agree with the new regulations.
“The new laws that have been passed are pathetic,” the Internet celebrity said in Arabic.
“For [a maid] to take a day off every week, that’s four days a month. Those are the days that she’ll be out and we don’t know what she’ll be doing on those days, with her passport on her,” she added.
She also said that maids should not keep their passports because they might run away. And if they do, no one will refund the money she paid for the household helper’s services.
“I don’t want a Filipino maid anymore,” she said in the video.
Due to the backlash, Al Qattan received from her remark, several brands have severed their ties with the blogger while POEA administrator Bernard Olalia promised to include on blacklist meaning she will not be allowed to hire Filipino workers.
“Kuwaiti employers who refuse to follow these provisions shall be immediately blacklisted,” Olalia said in a radio interview.
