Quezon City: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified on Saturday that no decision has been made on the proposed deployment ban of Filipino workers to Kuwait. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega made the statement following reports in Kuwaiti dailies that Manila had already implemented the ban.

According to Philippines News Agency, De Vega emphasized that both the DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) are continuously discussing the issue. He noted that there is no intention for a temporary solution where a ban would be implemented only to be reinstated soon after. De Vega stressed the need for a mechanism that has permanence, requiring stronger guarantees beyond the 2018 agreement, to ensure credibility.

De Vega also mentioned that stricter rules on hiring household workers are likely to emerge from these discussions. However, he declined to comment on whether the DFA supports or endorses a ban, stating that the DFA will defer to the DMW. He highlighted the importance of a well-thought-out approach, as any ban would necessitate addressing bilateral relations with Kuwait.

The call for a deployment ban was earlier made by Senate Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo, following the deaths of Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait, including Dafnie Nacalaban, whose body was found in her employer’s yard. Tulfo urged for the ban until additional requirements for foreign employers, such as neuro-psychiatric exams and proof of financial capacity, are established through coordination between the Philippine and Kuwaiti governments.