Kuwait denies handing over Filipino workers to embassy

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) on Sunday categorically denied social media reports claiming that security personnel escorted Filipino domestic helpers against their will from citizens' houses. The MoI emphatically denied the claims that the security forces handed the housekeepers to the Filipino embassy in the country.

These reports are totally false and groundless, the ministry said in a statement. Kuwaiti authorities deal with all communities in Kuwait with respect and appreciation and treat them equally, it said.

Meanwhile, Philippine labour minister said that more than 2,200 Filipinos are ready to come back to Phillipines from Kuwait due to reports of abuse. Philippine president asked Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific on Friday to provide flights for Filipinos who want to leave Kuwait, after the body of a Filipino worker was found in a freezer of an abandoned apartment. The airlines have arranged free charter flights, and Bello said almost 500 Filipino workers were due to arrive soon.

The Philippines suspended sending workers to Kuwait in January after reports that abuse by employers had driven several to suicide.