The Department of Foreign Affairs said that visa suspension remains in effect as the Philippine delegation ends their discussion with the Kuwait government.
“Status quo,” Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ed De Vega said in a text message to reporters.
“During the formal talks, the Philippine delegation expressed its full respect for Kuwaiti laws and profound appreciation for the hospitality of its government and people to more than 200,000 Filipino workers who consider Kuwait as their second home,” the DFA said in a statement.
Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) as well as its attached agency, the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) engaged their Kuwaiti counterparts in a bilateral meeting held last May 16-17.
“On issues related to services being rendered to our migrant workers, the delegation explained that all actions taken by the Philippine Embassy and the Philippine Government are solely to ensure the safety and welfare of our own nationals. Providing protection to a country’s citizens abroad is a well-established duty of consular offices under international law and conventions,” the DFA added.
“We thank the Kuwait government for its hospitality throughout the delegation’s two-day visit. The Philippines remains open to constructive dialogue on how to address current concerns,” the DFA added.
