KUWAIT CITY – Through the cooperation of Kuwait government and Philippine Embassy, 78 undocumented OFWs finally got the chance to see their families in the Philippines. This deed is in line with the ongoing mass repatriation by the Assisted Voluntary Repatriation Program (AVRP) of Kuwait.
The AVRP is a mutual agreement both signed by the government of Kuwait and Philippine Embassy, that aims to resolve the rising cases of illegal expatriates staying in Kuwait.
“We’d like to thank the Kuwaiti government, in particular the CID Immigration and all the other Kuwaiti government agencies involved in this particular repatriation,” said Vice Consul Charleson Hermosura. “This is actually the resumption of the assisted voluntary repatriation. Thank you for this continuing program and for helping the embassy in implementing this Assisted Voluntary Repatriation Program successfully,” he added.
Hermosura, who is the Head of the Assistance to Nationals Unit at the Philippine Embassy, was with the repatriates to provide assistance at the check-in counter. Philippine Ambassador Renato Pedro was also present at the airport to assist the OFWs with their travel documents and luggage.
Screengrab fro Maxxy Santiago Live
Out of the 78 repatriates, six of them were males and the rest were all females. Most of these repatriates were employed as domestic helpers. Unfortunately, they suffered different kinds of abuses including verbal, sexual, physical, non-issuance of salaries, overwork and even lack of food.
Repatriates expressed their heartfelt thanks to the Philippine Embassy as well as the Kuwait government for allowing them to go home.
“Thank you very much to the Philippine Embassy and the Kuwaiti government for helping us go home. We’re very happy,” said one of OFW identified only as Janet.
“I don’t have iqama for five years. It’s very difficult. You’re always on the lookout and it’s traumatic every time you see some police. You’re afraid that they might catch you and detain you,” said another OFW.
Even after experiencing maltreatment and abuse from different employers, some repatriated OFWs are still willing to work again abroad if given the chance to do so. Others decided to settle down to the Philippines with their family and relatives.
“I’m just happy to be with my kids. I still don’t know if I’ll work abroad again, my kids need me more,” said a single mother who was so excited to see her children again.
According to Arabtimesonline repatriates will not suffer detention under the program of AVRP. The Philippine Embassy, on the other hand, urged the remaining undocumented OFWs still in Kuwait to grab the chance to go home to the Philippines.
“All those who want to go home may enlist at the embassy shelter in Al Siddeeq area for the processing of their travel documents and clearance and we will do all our best to help them,” said Hermosura.
See video below :
78 Undocumented Pinoys in Kuwait to fly home to the Philippines today
Posted by Maxxy Santiago on Tuesday, May 23, 2017
