MANILA, Jan 16: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is weighing the possibility of banning the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Kuwait following the recent deaths of two OFWs, Dafnie Nacalaban and Jenny Alvarado.

Nacalaban was reported missing by her second employer in October and was later found dead at the residence of a Kuwaiti individual. Meanwhile, Alvarado died from coal smoke inhalation at her workplace, along with her Nepalese and Sri Lankan colleagues. Compounding the family's grief, a wrong cadaver was initially sent back to the Philippines.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac revealed that the possibility of a deployment ban has been brought to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s attention. While details remain unclear, the potential ban could target specific types of workers, such as domestic helpers, or apply to all Filipino workers in Kuwait.

The Philippines already prohibits first-time domestic workers from being deployed to Kuwait. Cacdac also hinted at the possibility of stricter regulations for OFW deployments to the Gulf country. "If our review finds that a suspension of deployment will help, we will implement it," Cacdac said, adding that the welfare and safety of OFWs are paramount, though employment opportunities must also be considered.

With around 215,000 OFWs currently in Kuwait, any decision will significantly impact many Filipino families relying on remittances. The DMW is conducting further assessments to determine the best course of action.