Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 14, S. 1986)
It covers the guidelines on the repatriation of Filipino contract workers in Kuwait, particularly domestic helpers who are victims of maltreatment and abuses by their employers.
Only the sponsors (employers) have the authority to give a sponsorship release. The Embassy and employment agencies do not have this authority.
No, asking for release before contract expiration for reasons not specified in the contract, such as inability to perform work, illness, or death in the family, are not acceptable reasons for release purposes.
A contract worker must present release papers from the employer and a definite airline ticket booking to apply for an exit permit.
No, in addition to holding a valid airline ticket, the contract worker must have a release permit from the employer and an exit permit from the Ministry of Interior.
An investigation on the case is conducted by the authorities before any exit permit can be issued.
Employers often demand refund of expenses incurred, such as the one-way ticket Manila-Kuwait, which is about 500 US Dollars. The passports are released to the workers only upon payment of these expenses.
Employers generally resent embassy invitations or contacts because they may feel pressured or disturbed regarding their employment arrangements with the contract workers.
The embassy can assist in repatriation efforts, but assistance is subject to the embassy knowing the whereabouts of the run-away maids.
They are required by the embassy to submit a sworn statement of their intention for record purposes.