Home Crime Diplomatic Tightrope, Philippines Considers Landmark Ban on Kuwait Deployments

Diplomatic Tightrope, Philippines Considers Landmark Ban on Kuwait Deployments

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is carefully deliberating a potential deployment ban for Filipino workers in Kuwait, emphasizing the need for a strategic, long-lasting solution rather than a hasty temporary measure, senior officials said Saturday.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega told reporters that while discussions are ongoing, no definitive decision has been made regarding halting worker deployments to the Gulf nation, despite rumors circulating in Kuwaiti media.

“We won’t settle for a temporary ping-pong solution,” De Vega stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to developing comprehensive protections for overseas Filipino workers.

The potential ban comes in the wake of escalating concerns over worker safety, particularly following the tragic case of Dafnie Nacalaban, a domestic worker whose body was discovered buried in her employer’s garden in Jahra after being reported missing in October 2024.

Senate Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Raffy Tulfo has been vocal about implementing a deployment suspension, arguing that strict pre-employment screening—including mental health evaluations and comprehensive background checks—is crucial.

De Vega indicated that while a complete ban remains under consideration, the government is more likely to implement “stricter rules on hiring household workers” to ensure Filipino laborers’ protection.

The diplomatic nuance reflects the Philippines’ delicate balancing act: protecting its citizens while maintaining critical bilateral relations with Kuwait, a key destination for overseas Filipino workers.

As negotiations continue, thousands of Filipino workers await a resolution that could significantly impact their international employment prospects.