59 Pinay domestic workers repatriated from Kuwait, 300 more expected by end-June

About 59 Filipina domestic workers arrived on Monday evening from Kuwait as part of a repatriation program between Kuwait and the Philippines.

The repatriation program was an offshoot of the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two countries on the protection of OFWs in the Gulf state following incidents of abuses.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III had earlier said some 644 distressed OFWs in Kuwait are set for repatriation.

Philippine Labor Attaché Resty De la Fuente said more than 300 Filipinos are expected to return to the Philippines before the end of June.

De la Fuente said the number of domestic workers who fled from their employers during the period of Ramadan this year was remarkably lower than the yearly average of 20.

He chalked it up to employers becoming more aware of labor requirements for Filipino domestic workers, including fair treatment and adequate rest period. —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News