Kuwait extends indefinite visa suspension for Filipinos

Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Minister of Defense, emphasized the utmost importance of preserving the sovereignty of Kuwait and upholding the dignity of its people.

In response to recent events surrounding the suspension of visas for Filipino workers, the Ministry of Interior, under the guidance of Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, organized a bilateral meeting between the Kuwaiti and Philippine delegations. This meeting was arranged after the government of the Republic of the Philippines requested discussions to address these developments.

The suspension of visas for Filipino workers was a direct consequence of the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Kuwait acting in violation of the labor agreement between the two nations, reports Al Rai. Furthermore, some members of the Filipino community have committed crimes against Kuwaiti citizens, which have been legally documented and are currently under review in Kuwaiti courts. Additionally, there have been other criminal activities unrelated to these incidents.

Following a request from the Government of the Republic of the Philippines to hold a meeting with the Kuwaiti authorities in order to address the violations and misconduct, and in accordance with the labor agreement between Kuwait and the Philippines, the Public Authority for Manpower, under the guidance of Sheikh Talal Khaled Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Minister of Defense, has outlined the conditions for the Kuwaiti side. These conditions will serve as the foundation for the negotiation meeting with the Philippine delegation during their visit to Kuwait.

Following the meeting, the Philippine delegation requested a 72-hour period to consult with the government of the Republic of the Philippines regarding the conditions presented by the Kuwaiti side. However, the Philippine side ultimately refused to comply with the conditions, which aimed to ensure that the violations would not be repeated in the future.

In light of these developments, the decision to suspend all visa types for the Filipino community remains in effect until further notice. However, the ministry will continue to renew the residency permits of individuals who possess valid documentation and express their desire to continue working in Kuwait in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations.