KUWAIT CITY, Dec 12: The recruitment of Filipino domestic workers is expected to resume soon, that is, once the Kuwaiti and Filipino sides finalize agreement on some points. Reliable sources revealed that a breakthrough in the file of Filipino domestic workers is expected to happen soon; indicating a delegation from the Department of Migrant Workers in the Philippines arrived in the country on Tuesday. Sources said the delegation will hold meetings with the concerned Kuwaiti authorities on Wednesday and Thursday; indicating the authorities will likely agree to reopen recruitment on Thursday or next week.

Sources disclosed that the most important points of discussion between the authorities are those related to the shelter center and work contracts. They added the Philippine side requested expanding the center’s procedures in dealing with workers and establishing an approved work mechanism.
The source added the Philippine side will propose the idea of receiving the domestic workers at the embassy and then handing them over to the shelter officially; so that the related procedures can be completed and the workers’ dues will be settled or referred for deportation.

Sources pointed out that the Kuwaiti side will confirm that the State of Kuwait is one of the countries that humanely treats all workers and that workers’ rights are preserved in all aspects, and legal authorities often represent workers to obtain their entitlements and demands and provide everything they need.
Sources also confirmed that Kuwait is one of the countries protecting workers’ rights and does not discriminate between one worker and another, everyone is treated equally, and if there is an error committed by the employer, the necessary measures are taken regarding it.

As per the latest information, The Filipino delegation had a positive and effective meeting with their Kuwaiti counterparts, reaching agreements on the return of Filipino workers to Kuwait in the domestic and private sectors.

Both parties committed to addressing issues through a new mechanism in line with Kuwaiti law. The handover of runaway workers to the embassy within 72 hours was among the agreed-upon matters.
Ambassador Jose Cabrera mentioned that various issues were discussed, and two more meetings are scheduled, with results to be announced by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

By Fares Al-Abdan
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff