The Philippine Embassy in Kuwait expressed sorrow following the reported killing of a Kuwaiti child allegedly by a Filipino domestic worker.
The embassy issued a statement offering condolences to the child’s family and confirmed its cooperation with Kuwaiti authorities in the investigation. The Filipino worker, whose identity has not been disclosed, is in custody.
The incident has prompted discussions between the Philippine and Kuwaiti governments amid ongoing concerns about the rights and welfare of Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait.
The Philippines is a significant provider of domestic workers to Kuwait, but reports of mistreatment have strained diplomatic relations in the past.
In 2018, the Philippines temporarily banned sending workers to Kuwait after the death of a Filipino domestic worker, lifting the ban after a labor protection agreement was established.
Filipino workers in Kuwait have reported issues such as abuse, non-payment of wages, and poor living conditions, often tied to the sponsorship system that links workers’ residency to their employers.
The Philippine government has reiterated its commitment to protecting overseas workers and is reviewing labor agreements to prevent similar incidents.
Human rights organizations have urged both governments to address systemic issues faced by domestic workers in the region.
Both the Philippines and Kuwait are expected to engage in further dialogue as investigations into the incident continue.