Kuwait row a big loss for PH $600m OFW remittances at stake over deployment ban counter-move

By Julito G. Rada, Rey E. Requejo, and Maricel V. Cruz

THE Philippines stands to lose about $600 million (about P33.5 billion) in remittances by its overseas workers in Kuwait annually after the Middle Eastern state imposed an entry ban on all Filipinos, except those with an “iqama” or residence permit.

The ban was imposed supposedly because the Philippines failed to comply with a labor agree ment between the two countries.

Data obtained by Manila Standard from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Friday showed that cash remittances from Filipinos working in the Gulf state reached $597.186 million in 2022, 3.7 percent higher than the year before, and accounted for 1.8 percent of total remittances by OFWs last year that reached $32.54 billion.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Paul Cortes told CNN Philippines that the ban took effect May 10 and covers Filipinos, even those issued with visas, who are entering Kuwait.