A tragic incident involving an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) in Kuwait has shocked both the Philippine and Kuwaiti communities. The Philippine Embassy confirmed on Friday that a Filipino domestic worker was linked to the death of a child in her employer’s household.
Embassy’s Statement and Support
The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait expressed profound sadness over the incident, extending their heartfelt condolences to the grieving family. In a public statement, they emphasized their commitment to assisting both the investigation and the detained OFW.
“The Embassy is cooperating with Kuwaiti authorities investigating the incident and is also providing assistance to the detained Filipino domestic worker, within the framework of Kuwaiti law and in keeping with the Embassy’s mandate,” the statement read.
The embassy clarified that this incident is an isolated case and does not represent the character of the Filipino community in Kuwait. “Filipinos are known for their hard work, reliability, and positive contributions to society,” they added, assuring that the actions of one individual should not reflect on the Filipino workforce as a whole.
Context: Past Tensions Between the Philippines and Kuwait
This incident comes after a history of strained relations between the Philippines and Kuwait regarding the treatment of Filipino workers. In May 2023, Kuwait imposed a visa ban on Filipinos following the tragic murder of OFW Jullebee Ranara, which ignited widespread tension.
After months of negotiations, the ban was lifted in June 2024, allowing the resumption of domestic worker recruitment under improved agreements. Both countries worked toward ensuring the safety and rights of Filipino workers while maintaining strong diplomatic ties.
Looking Ahead
The embassy reassures the Filipino community in Kuwait and the public that they are actively monitoring the case. They are working to ensure due process is followed, while also maintaining diplomatic relations with Kuwait.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting the welfare of Filipino workers abroad and strengthening support systems for OFWs facing challenges.
