Kuwait and Philippines partners in migration

Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) newly appointed Administrator Arnaldo Arevalo ‘Arnell’ Ignacio, donned in Arab traditional clothing for men (dishdasha), met with Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) officials and Filipino community leaders during his recent visit to Kuwait. A symbolic gesture, which won praise from locals, shows the union of the Philippines and Kuwait, and that both countries are partners in migration.

As of November 2022; there are 225,625 Filipinos working in Kuwait, including 162,041 domestic helpers, making them among the top migrant workers in the country, Al Qabas newspaper said, citing recent official figures. Ignacio is keenly aware of the plight of migrant workers, as he himself had been one for many years.

The objective of OWWA, according to its website, is to safeguard and improve the well-being of OFWs and their families. It is also responsible for assisting distressed OFWs in finding employment and providing livelihood training and programs to help them reintegrate into society, should they decide to come home for good.

During Ignacio’s visit, along with Undersecretary of the Department of Migrant Workers Hans Leo Cacdac and Chargé d’Affaires of the Philippine Embassy Jose Cabrera III, they expedited the process for 100 wards inside the Talha deportation facility completing all the procedures within 3 days. This is in addition to the repatriation of 63 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the deportation facility and processing of 30 exit visas for wards at the labor mediation center (Amala).

OFWs are encouraged to continue supporting OWWA by renewing their membership to avail of these benefits. With a new administrator at the helm, Filipinos can expect more programs and services that will be of great help to migrant workers, not only in the Mideast, but in all parts of the globe. Under the leadership of Administrator Ignacio, OWWA will continue to work hard in protecting and promoting the welfare of all OFWs.