Also agreed to sign pact to protect OFWs in Middle Eastern country, Roque says
(Eagle News) — The Kuwaiti government has agreed to release four Filipino drivers who were detained for their roles in what the Gulf state deemed an illegal rescue of Overseas Filipino Workers there by Philippine embassy officials.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the announcement after a meeting between representatives from Kuwait and the Philippines on Wednesday, May 9.
Apart from Roque, present in the meeting were former Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, Labor Secretary Silvestre Belo III, Labor Attaché Rustico dela Fuente, and Deputy Chief of Mission in Kuwait Mohd Noordin Lomondot.
During the meeting, Roque said the Kuwaiti government also agreed to sign a pact aimed at protecting OFWs in the Middle Eastern country.
According to Roque, the Kuwaiti government also gave the assurance that all undocumented Filipinos, except those with cases, would be allowed to return to the Philippines.
“At least 150 of them will be joining the Philippine officials in returning to the Philippines,” Roque said.
During the meeting, Roque said Kuwait agreed to create a special police unit that the Philippine Embassy can liaison with if there were complaints of Filipino workers.
He said the Kuwaiti government also agreed to set up a 24-hour hotline that OFWs can call for assistance.
The breakthrough comes after Kuwait expelled Philippine ambassador Renato Villa and recalled its Manila representative over the controversial rescue which had the go-signal of the Department of Foreign Affairs.