2018 Kuwait–Philippines diplomatic crisis

Resolution In early 2018, Kuwait and the Philippines were embroiled in a diplomatic crisis over the situation of Filipino migrant workers in the gulf country.

The diplomatic row was a result of the discovery of the corpse of Joanna Demafelis, a Filipino domestic worker working in Kuwait which has been inside an abandoned warehouse since November 2016.

However, relations were further strained in late April after a video emerged showing Philippine embassy officials purportedly rescuing Filipino maids from allegedly abusive employers.

Demafelis had been killed two years earlier and her death only came to public attention when her corpse was found inside a freezer in a warehouse abandoned since November 2016.

[4] It was clarified that seafarers boarding from Kuwait, rehired workers who would be returning to the gulf country, and tourists are exempted from the ban.

[7] On April 3, 2018, the Kuwait government announced that it aims to recruit more Ethiopians as domestic workers to compensate for deficit in the labor force caused by its diplomatic row with the Philippines.

[9] Relations between the two countries became more strained when a video emerged depicting operations of Philippine embassy officials purportedly rescuing Filipino maids from alleged abusive employers.

[11] The Philippine government on April 24 apologized for the incident saying it acknowledges Kuwait has its own laws while maintaining that the welfare of Filipino migrant workers are also within its interest.

Cayetano also encouraged Duterte to accept Kuwait's invitation to make a state visit to the Middle Eastern country.

[19] Workers are now also entitled to be provided food, housing, clothing, and health insurance by their employers[22] and at least a day off from work each week.