Total ban sought on deployment to Kuwait “It hurts me to see OFWs abused – more so slaughtered by the people they serve selflessly. This barbaric act against our OFWs should be condemned by humanity and the entire international community,” he said. MANILA, Philippines - A senior administration lawmaker has the government completely banned from deploying overseas Filipino workers to Kuwait due to "heinous crimes" in the Philippines' migrant workers. “It hurts me to see OFWs abused – more so slaughtered by the people they serve selflessly. This barbaric act against our OFWs should be condemned by humanity and the entire international community,” he said. Arenas, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, added that the proposed "ban is an act of ordeal that increases tensions between our two countries." He also expressed his belief that the Kuwaiti government's decision to suspend new entry visa issuance for Filipinos is a way to "pressure" the Philippine government to raise its ban on deployment to Kuwait for the first time ever for Filipino workers. Stressing that this style of coercion doesn't sit well with Filipinos, the former film and television review and classification board chief reminded the Kuwaiti government that the Philippines' decision to impose a distribution ban on their country is rooted in a history of mistreatment against OFWs, especially domestic workers. “This is only happening in Kuwait and the Kuwaiti government does not seem to have teeth in enforcing its laws. Our OFWs should be sent to countries that will treat them with dignity, protect their rights and promote their well-being,” he said. Arenas also urged the Executive Office under President Marcos to “not succumb to Kuwaiti pressure and instead call for a complete ban on distribution of all workers to Kuwait.” “This total distribution ban should be enforced until the Kuwaiti government sits down with our officials and accepts our demands. Until then, we must not entertain their demands and acts of intimidation,” he said. Gotopnews.com