The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) remains firm in its policy of prioritizing experienced overseas Filipino workers (OFW) for deployment to Kuwait, despite calls from the Kuwaiti Federation of Domestic Workers to include first-time workers.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac confirmed on Wednesday that the policy — which began in September — remains in place as part of efforts to protect workers from potential abuse.

“Let’s give this requirement for overseas experience a chance. After all, it’s only been the third month of deployment, and we’ve only deployed around 2,500 workers so far,” Cacdac said.

Cacdac also explained that the policy is still in its early stages and should be given at least a year to see its full impact.

The Kuwaiti Federation argued that the policy, implemented to address concerns over worker abuse, has led to a severe shortage, with only 20 percent of the demand for workers being met.

Federation representatives visited the Kuwaiti Embassy in Manila last month to lobby for the inclusion of first-time workers in the recruitment process.

To recall, the Philippines had temporarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait earlier this year following high-profile abuse cases. Since resuming in September, the policy has restricted recruitment to workers with prior experience, regardless of where that experience was gained.