By Filane Mikee Cervantes

DEPLOYMENT BAN. Distressed overseas Filipino workers arrive from Kuwait on Jan. 17, 2023. Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo on Monday (Jan. 20, 2025) urged caution against an outright deployment ban in Kuwait following the deaths of two Filipinos. (PNA file photo)

MANILA – A party-list lawmaker on Monday said intensified diplomatic engagements must be pursued with Kuwait to enhance protections for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), urging caution against an outright deployment ban following the deaths of two Filipino workers.

In a statement, Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo warned that a deployment ban could jeopardize the welfare of the more than 200,000 Filipinos employed in the Middle East nation.

“We appeal to the DMW (Department of Migrant Workers) to seriously study and rethink its reported consideration of another deployment ban and to adopt a more nuanced and strategic approach. An outright ban may exacerbate the situation of approximately 260,000 Filipinos currently working in Kuwait, potentially placing them in even more precarious positions,” Salo said.

He suggested alternative measures, including upskilling workers, enhancing monitoring and support systems, implementing stricter regulations, and ensuring the enforcement of existing labor agreements.

On the deaths of Dafnie Nacalaban and Jenny Alvarado in Kuwait, Salo called for accountability from the perpetrators and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents.

“We urge the DMW and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to work closely with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure justice is served for Dafnie and Jenny,” he said.

Salo said deployment bans in the past led to unintended consequences, including workers remaining with employers beyond their contracts or seeking employment with unvetted new employers.

He cited Nacalaban’s case as an example of such risks.

“This was tragically the case for Dafnie Nacalaban, who transferred to an unvetted new employer at the time of her death,” Salo said.

The lawmaker also pointed out that crimes committed by private individuals should not automatically trigger deployment bans unless there is a breach of bilateral agreements by the host country.

“Crimes committed by private individuals, though deeply tragic, do not necessarily constitute a breach by the Kuwaiti government. Determining the host government’s breach, if any, is vital before imposing such an extreme measure,” he said. (PNA)