MANILA – In a decisive move aimed at safeguarding overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is rolling out new measures for those traveling to Kuwait, following a series of tragic incidents involving Filipino laborers.
During an interview on Monday with Bagong Pilipinas, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac outlined the initiative, emphasizing the need for enhanced protection rather than an outright deployment ban. The new policies will focus on tighter screening processes for both workers and their prospective employers.
Cacdac highlighted a significant issue: many OFWs sign contracts with employers they have never met. “What we see here in the deployment of OFWs for Kuwait, the worker signs the contract, the employer is named there but the worker does not know the employer,” he explained. This disconnect can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, prompting the DMW to introduce “know your employer” measures.
Under this requirement, workers will participate in a mandatory video call with their employers prior to departure. This step aims to foster familiarity and reduce the risks of exploitation or abuse. “Even before the worker leaves, they will have a video call with the employer. They will see each other’s faces,” Cacdac noted, adding that this approach benefits both parties by establishing a connection before the work arrangement begins.
In addition to the video calls, the DMW is implementing stricter qualifications for employers, which will include comprehensive background checks to assess criminal records, financial stability, and prior experiences with workers. A whitelisting system will also be introduced, ensuring that only compliant employers and recruitment agencies in both Kuwait and the Philippines can hire OFWs.
For those who have long been working abroad, the DMW is enhancing its electronic monitoring system to keep track of their well-being. This will include a “Kumustahan System,” enabling OFWs, including returning workers, to report their conditions through text, email, or social media.
“Kahit na matagal na doon ay puwede pa rin silang mag-ulat sa atin para ma-monitor din natin iyong sitwasyon nila (Even if they have been there for a long time, they can still report to us so that we can monitor their situation),” Cacdac emphasized, advocating for a streamlined electronic communication process over manual tracking.
These measures reflect the DMW’s commitment to improving the safety and well-being of Filipino workers abroad, ensuring that they are better equipped and supported as they embark on their journeys.
