KUWAIT has released the four Filipino drivers who were detained following the controversial rescue of distressed overseas Filipino workers in the Gulf nation.
Kuwait and the Philippines have also agreed to sign a deal that would protect the rights of OFWs in the Gulf nation, said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr., who was among the Philippine officials who flew to Kuwait for talks.
The Gulf nation further guaranteed that all remaining undocumented Filipinos, estimated to be at less than 600, will be allowed to go home, except those who have pending cases. Some 150 Filipinos will be joining Philippine officials on their return trip.
"Also, Kuwait agreed to create a Special Unit within the Police that the Philippine Embassy can liaison with regarding complaints of Filipino workers which will be available 24 hours and a Special Number that Filipino workers can call for assistance [that is] also available 24 hours," Roque added.
Roque said Wednesday, May 9, that these were agreed upon during a meeting with Kuwaiti officials.
He confirmed that he flew to Kuwait with Labor Secretary Silvestre Belo III, former Labor secretary Marianito Roque, Labor Attache Rustico dela Fuente, and Deputy Chief of Mission in Kuwait Mohd Noordin Lomondot to meet with officials from the Kuwaiti government.
Roque said they went to the Arab country on the night of Tuesday, May 8, upon the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte.
"The Philippine delegation met officials from the Kuwaiti Interior Ministry... The Philippines and Kuwait look forward to the normalization of ties. Kuwait, on its part, has expressed the value of Filipinos in Kuwait," Roque said in a statement.
"A Memorandum of Agreement is expected to be signed and agreed upon after the meeting," the Palace official added.