The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines has announced the implementation of more rigorous safety protocols for Filipino workers heading to Kuwait. This decision comes in the wake of recent tragic incidents involving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Instead of imposing a complete ban on deployments, the DMW is focusing on enhancing the screening processes for both the workers and their potential employers.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac highlighted the need for these measures during a recent interview. He pointed out a significant issue where workers sign contracts with named employers they have never met, which can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. To address this, the DMW is introducing a ‘Know Your Employer’ initiative, which mandates a pre-departure video call between the worker and the employer. This step is intended to familiarize both parties with each other, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation or abuse.
Additionally, the DMW plans to enforce stricter employer qualifications, including thorough background checks for criminal records, financial stability, and past performance in managing workers. Both Kuwaiti and Filipino employers and recruiters will be subject to a new whitelisting system to ensure only compliant entities can hire OFWs.
For long-term OFWs, the DMW is upgrading its electronic monitoring system to better track their well-being. This includes the introduction of a ‘Kumustahan System’, which allows workers to report their conditions through text, email, or social media. This electronic approach is seen as more efficient than manual methods, enabling quicker responses to any issues faced by the workers.