Cross-border shelling has killed at least 70 civilians, including children, rescue workers and journalists
world1 day ago
With Kuwait's visa ban on Filipinos still in place, the southeast Asian country's president on Friday spoke about what the government plans to do next to improve the situation.
Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr told local media that his team will continue negotiating with the Gulf country, dismissing suggestions that a "total deployment ban" should be imposed in response to the deadlock.
Kuwait had suspended all types of visas issued to Filipinos — including tourist, employment, and business visas — since May 10.
The Gulf state said the ban was imposed due to the Philippine government's alleged violations of bilateral agreement — including forcing employment offices in Kuwait to recall Filipino housemaids and workers from the houses of Kuwaiti citizens and lodging them at private residences; forcing employment offices to locate escapees from Kuwaiti employers; among others.
Marcos, however, stressed that as far as the Philippines is concerned, no violations have been committed.
"We couldn't reach an agreement because they are saying we have violated their rules, but we don't see any violations. This is why we have come to this situation," the president told local media in Filipino.
At this point, he said, all the Philippines could do is to "react to the situation as it is".
“I don’t want to burn any bridges… and I think the proper reaction is to take the decision of the Kuwaiti government to no longer issue new visas,” Marcos was quoted as saying in local media reports.
The Philippines, he added, will just leave the issue open for now. "We will continue to negotiate with them, we will continue to consult with them, hoping that down the road, the situation will improve and allow our workers to head for their jobs in Kuwait."
ALSO READ:
Cross-border shelling has killed at least 70 civilians, including children, rescue workers and journalists
world1 day ago
Northeastern University in Boston says the action was taken after some protesters resorted to virulent anti-Semitic slurs
world1 day ago
Alongside regional leaders, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will attend the meetings
world1 day ago
The Argentinian's beauty got many looking for the 'fountain of youth': She can't be that old, Netizens say
world1 day ago
A plea moved in court stated that no one is permitted to wear the official state institution outfit
world2 days ago
The ruins in the middle of Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija province are a tourist draw, even as the region swelters in extreme heat
world2 days ago
Friday's polling will be held for 88 of the total 543 seats in the lower house or Lok Sabha of Parliament with 160 million people eligible to vote
world3 days ago
Kerala will decide the fate of 194 candidates as polling on all 20 parliamentary constituencies will be held in the second phase
world3 days ago