Filipino workers in Kuwait may eventually have another source of retirement income if a proposed law creating a separate pension fund for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) is approved in the Philippines.
Senate Bill No. 252, or the proposed OFW Pension Act of 2025, seeks to establish an OFW Pension Fund that would provide qualified retired OFWs with a monthly pension of at least Php 5,000.
However, OFWs should know that this is still a proposed law. The pension is not yet available for application or claiming.
Who Could Qualify for the OFW Pension?
Under the Senate proposal, an OFW would need to meet certain conditions before receiving the pension.
The worker must be at least 60 years old upon retirement and have accumulated at least 15 years of overseas employment.
The bill particularly recognizes OFWs engaged in manual, skilled, or technical occupations that involve physical labor, specialized training, or vocational skills.
This could make the proposal relevant to many Filipinos who have spent years working in Kuwait in construction, technical services, maintenance, hospitality, domestic work, and other occupations.
Php 5,000 Pension Would Be Separate From SSS or GSIS
One important part of the proposal is that the OFW pension would be separate and distinct from pensions provided by the Social Security System (SSS) or Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Under the Senate bill, eligible OFWs would receive at least Php 5,000 per month upon retirement, subject to the pension plan that would be established by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
The DMW would serve as the lead agency managing and implementing the proposed pension program.
Similar OFW Pension Bill Filed in the House
The proposal has also gained attention in the House of Representatives.
House Bill No. 11257, filed on September 10, 2026, also seeks to establish an OFW Pension Fund.
According to the official House record, the measure is currently pending with the Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.
This means there is still no final law creating the benefit.
What OFWs in Kuwait Should Know for Now
Filipinos working in Kuwait do not need to register or apply for this Php 5,000 pension at this time.
OFWs should also be careful with social media posts or messages claiming that applications have already opened.
The proposal still needs to complete the legislative process before it can become law and before agencies can announce official application procedures.
For now, Kuwait OFWs can continue monitoring updates from the Philippine Senate, House of Representatives, DMW, and their local Migrant Workers Office.