Kuwait lifts visa ban for Filipino domestic workers

Kuwait announced on Monday that it will lift the visa ban on Filipino domestic workers, following a hiatus of more than a year due to a dispute with Manila over the rights of employers and workers.

The Gulf emirate and the Philippines reached an "agreement to resume the recruitment of domestic workers" after a "breakthrough" in talks, said Kuwait's Interior Minister in a statement carried by the Kuwaiti news agency Kuna.

The two countries "agreed to form a joint committee on domestic labor issues," the statement continued, specifying that it "will meet regularly to address any points of contention that may arise."

The decision comes after the tragic murder of Filipino domestic worker Jullebee Ranara, whose charred body was found in the Kuwaiti desert in January 2023. In response, Manila decided to stop sending new domestic workers to the emirate.

The tensions between the two nations escalated, leading Kuwait to suspend all new visas for Filipino nationals in May of the same year.

This situation echoed a previous incident in 2020, when the Southeast Asian country temporarily banned its citizens from working in Kuwait following the alleged murder of a Filipino national by her employer.

Moreover, in 2018, another diplomatic row erupted after the remains of a Filipino domestic worker were discovered in her employer's freezer.

The lifting of the visa ban marks a significant step towards mending the strained relations between Kuwait and the Philippines. Both countries have committed to forming a joint committee that will regularly convene to address and resolve any labor-related issues, ensuring better protection for workers.

Kuwait, a country rich in oil, relies heavily on foreign labor. The majority of its four million inhabitants are foreign nationals, many of whom come from South and Southeast Asia to work in construction and service sectors.

This new agreement not only aims to safeguard the rights of domestic workers but also ensures a steady supply of labor, which is crucial for the emirate's economy.

By addressing the underlying issues and working towards sustainable solutions, both Kuwait and the Philippines hope to prevent future disputes and ensure the welfare of their citizens working abroad.