DOLE mulls temporary deployment ban of Pinoy HSWs to Kuwait

The Philippine Labor Department is considering a temporary suspension of the deployment of Filipino household helpers to Kuwait due to reports of abuses by employers in the host country.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) secretary Silvestre H. Bello III said Friday that a deployment moratorium is being studied amid growing calls to impose the measure, following reports of abuses against OFWs, particularly female household service workers (HSWs).
“We are taking this call for a moratorium seriously.  We will conduct consultations with our partners and other government agencies,” said Bello.
He flew to Kuwait after the third round of peace talks in Italy with the communist rebels to check on the situation of another OFW on death row convict in Kuwait.
Last Wednesday, Pinoy HSW Jakatia Pawa was executed for the murder in 2007 of her employer's daughter, which she denied until her execution.
Bello said he would try to save the life of another OFW death convict Elpidio Lano, who a Kuwaiti court found guilty of killing Filipino Nilo Macaranas on June 17, 2014
"We will make a decision on the proposed moratorium soon,” he said, adding that there is urgent need to curb unfortunate incidents befalling Filipino workers.
Meanwhile, Bello directed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to facilitate the processing of travel documents of Pawa's family members so they can visit her grave in Kuwait if they so desire.
"Hinihintay lang ang kanilang  desisyon  kung kailan nila gustong magpunta ng Kuwait. Kami ay narito naman para asikasuhin ang  kanilang  pangangailangan,” Bello said. —LBG, GMA News

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