Looking back at 2018, it can be said that not many good things had happened in terms of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Kuwait. For one, there was the death of an OFW which resulted to the deployment ban of Filipino workers in Kuwait. And then there was the covert rescue mission by the Philippine Embassy of domestic helpers in the country which resulted to the expulsion of Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait. As of now the post has not been officially filled yet.
However, as the recently crowned Miss Universe puts it, there’s always a silver lining to every situation. When the negative things came into full view, solutions were created in order to restore order and the almost-severed ties between the two nations. And on that note, 2019 is looking to be a fresh start.
Employment Pact for Filipino Workers in Kuwait Already in Effect
Last January 13 (Sunday), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid of Kuwait and Foreign Minister Alan Peter Cayetano have finally signed the employment agreement for Filipino workers in the Gulf State, which marks the full implementation of its provisions, as shared in a report by the Arab Times Online.
Below listed are the provisions sanctioned in the agreement. It pays to take note of these things as they are basically the improved rights and benefits of Filipino workers in the country starting January 13, 2019:
- Any Kuwaiti employer is prohibited from keeping the personal documents and IDs of their Filipino domestic helper.
- Filipino domestic helpers are entitled to proper food, clothing, housing, and registration in health.
- The employer must pay their Filipino domestic helpers for any injuries acquired during work. If in case an incident leads to the worker’s death, the employer is obliged to send the remains back to the Philippines and pay the full month salary of the deceased domestic helper as well as settle other benefits provided by the Kuwaiti law.
- The Filipino domestic helper is entitled to keep a mobile phone or any means of communication in her possession.
- The Filipino domestic helper must have a bank account that the employer must process and arrange for her.