Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III has signed today the order implementing a total ban in the deployment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to Kuwait.
He cited the abuse and maltreatment of OFWs in the gulf state as reason.
The order takes effect immediately.
President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier expressed dismay over the deaths of some OFWs in Kuwait.
One of them was domestic worker Joana Daniela Demafiles, whose body was found in a freezer in an abandoned apartment in Kuwait.
Several members of Joana's family were present at DOLE as Bello signed the order.
Other DOLE officials also witnessed the signing.
Over 2,000 Filipino OFWs are in Kuwait.
The Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are transporting for free the OFWs who wish to be repatriated.
This is in response to the President's request to the two airlines.
