The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission for Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) is urging Filipino migrants planning to travel to Kuwait to exercise caution.
The government is taking all necessary steps to enable the departure of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrants to Kuwait, according to Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, Vice-Chairman of CBCP-ECMI.
“It is inspiring and encouraging that our DFA officials and our DMW are doing everything find positive solutions in favour of our first time OFWs in Kuwait. Dialogues are first step to thresh out misinformation and misconceptions, when our government officials went there and to speak with the Kuwaiti officials are positive efforts and visible signs of their concern and caring ways for our OFWs,” Bishop Santos said in a letter to Radio Veritas.
The Bishop’s letter came after Kuwait suspended visa issuance to Filipinos due to the ongoing deployment ban on foreign Filipino workers.
“We pray and hope that our joint efforts and bilateral agreements will be beneficial to all. We anticipate that their meeting will be successful and fruitful,” Bishop Santos continued.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has stated that quick negotiations with Kuwaiti authorities are being planned in order to reach a new deal.
To address the issues of Filipino migrants, the CBCP-ECMI emphasizes the significance of diplomacy and constructive engagement between the Philippines and Kuwait. It is hoped that concerted efforts will result in a mutually beneficial agreement that will ensure the welfare and rights of Filipino employees in Kuwait. (Luis Angelo Sta. Maria/Volunteer Writer/San Felipe Neri Parish)
