The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) bound for Kuwait of stronger protection of their rights and welfare, following the resumption of OFW deployment to the Arab nation.

The DMW conducted pre-departure briefings for the initial 35 OFWs bound for Kuwait to assure them of better protection and enhanced monitoring of their conditions on-site. They were likewise reminded of their rights and responsibilities before deployment to their respective foreign employers.

The 35 OFWs are Filipino domestic workers with prior experience working overseas and deployed through Philippine and Kuwait recruitment agencies with good track record. Eleven (11) of them were sent off last Friday, led by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, while the 24 OFWs are set to depart this week.

The resumption of OFW deployment was a result of the agreement between the Philippine government and Kuwait, which provides measures for enhanced OFW protection such as the implementation of a system for whitelisting of recruitment agencies and the appointment of welfare desk officers to monitor, report, and assist OFWs in the whole-cycle of their labor migration.