A new batch of Filipino domestic workers is scheduled to arrive in Kuwait tomorrow, following the arrival of the first group earlier this month. According to a specialist in domestic workers’ affairs, about 50 female workers will be making their way from Manila, with more expected in the coming days as part of an ongoing recruitment initiative.
Upon arrival, these workers will undertake the necessary entry formalities before being welcomed at the Philippine Embassy by the Labor Attaché. They will also receive a brief orientation regarding their job responsibilities, as well as their rights and duties under Kuwait’s Domestic Workers Law No. 68 of 2015.
The steady stream of Filipino workers is helping to alleviate a long-standing shortage in Kuwait’s domestic labor sector, which has faced challenges primarily due to a lack of agreements with new labor-supplying nations. Other nationalities have struggled to replace the Filipino workers who left the market in light of a previous recruitment ban.
Currently, there are about 200,000 Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait, representing around 50% of the total domestic workforce. The importance of these workers in both Kuwaiti and expatriate households cannot be overstated, as factors such as effective communication, educational background, and familiarity with local customs contribute to their high demand.
Furthermore, complaints from local recruitment agencies regarding delays in processing paperwork with the Philippine Embassy have significantly decreased. Embassy officials are reportedly striving to expedite the approval of initial work contracts, known as “Job Orders,” which will enhance the availability of workers. However, it is important to note that the Philippines is presently focusing on recruiting experienced workers who have previously worked in Kuwait, the Gulf States, or other similar countries, and is currently not accepting new workers into their recruitment efforts.
