KUWAIT: A total of 98 OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) were repatriated back to Philippines at the onset of new regulations implemented by the Ministry of Interior (MoI). In the absence of an amnesty, the MoI is currently allowing absconders to be deported without paying a fine. The applicants must surrender to either their respective embassies or to any immigration or police authorities for deportation. Those with visa problems, such as an expired residency, and without any cases pending at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs or police authorities, are also advised to go directly to the Immigration Department and pay fines to correct their status. To make it easier for Filipinos in Kuwait, the Philippine Embassy has set new guidelines so they can be assisted accordingly. Philippine Vice Consul Attorney Sheina Tesorero said the MoI had recently suspended a ‘no-detention program’ for runaway housemaids to make way for new regulations. The no-detention program was also suspended so that all procedures could be uniformly implemented by the MoI across all nationalities.
“The no-detention program for some runaway Filipinos has been suspended. It was suspended after Ramadan so all OFWs who want to be repatriated to Manila will now go through the process of being held temporarily inside the immigration department. Those who want to avail of the MoI policy are advised to come to us (at the embassy) or surrender at their respective police districts where their employers are located,” Tesorero advised. “They’ll be assisted as quickly as possible. Their maximum detention at the immigration department will be one or two weeks after they undergo fingerprinting. The policy of the MoI this time is to deport people who surrender as quickly as possible, so after some procedures, they’ll be deported by the earliest flight possible,” she assured.
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Thanks to Mr Ben Garcia
