CORONAVIRUS: KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #84 – A Gift for the Heroes

June 3, 2020

“For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice – no paper currency, no promises to pay but the gold of real service.”

John Burroughs

In the time of COVID-19 pandemic, modern heroes with no magical powers or massive strength rise. The only weapon they bring in the battle is their courageous heart and willingness to serve other people. For that, they deserve a great reward for their immense sacrifice.

 In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health reported 710 new COVID-19 cases with four additional deaths and 1,469 recoveries. It brings to a total tally of 29,359 cases with 230 fatalities and 15,750 recovered cases. Within the new cases, 256 are Kuwait citizens, 143 are Indian residents, 93 are Bangladeshi residents, and 91 are Egyptian residents. In the governorates, there are 282 cases in Al Farwaniya, 140 in Al Jahra, 130 in Ahmadi, 88 in Hawally, and 70 in the Capital. Among the residential areas, Jeleeb Al-Shuyoukh is the highest with 82 cases. Currently, there are 13,379 active cases in the country. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases decreased.

Free Travel for the Frontliners

With the directive of His Highness the Amir, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Jazeera Airways is offering 50,000 free round-trip tickets to the frontliners of the coronavirus pandemic. They can set the ticket to any destination on the Jazeera network. However, the ministry will nominate and approve the frontline workers. The selected frontlliners could use the ticket once the Kuwait International Airport resumes its operations. It is available until the end of 2021. 

I am glad that the Kuwait government rewarded the frontliners who bravely served the community during the COVID-19 quarantine. Although this reward is not enough to compensate for all their hard works and sacrifices, the authorities can make our frontliners feel special as they continue to be the courageous heroes of the pandemic.

Efforts of the Ministry of Interior

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the Interior Ministry worked day and night to serve the community. The video below shows how they ensure the stringency of the implementation of the first phase, especially in isolated areas. I know that it is not easy for them to wake up in the morning and go to the streets for their daily inspection. However, they managed to take the duty every day.

The Interior Minister also visited the security checkpoints in the isolated areas. The minister showed his great concern to his constituents as they maintain peace and order in the community. He is doing regular visitation and inspection to assess the condition of our frontliners. This way, they will have the courage to stand up at the forefront of the country’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Situation of the Cooperative Societies and Business Establishments

The Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that the inspection teams have file reports against thirteen shops. Four other shops also closed down for violating the guidelines to curb the coronavirus. They monitored 143 cooperative societies, shops, vegetable stands, and shopping centers, ensuring the prices. They also inspected 79 supply stores while reopening a single shop.

Another cooperative society in the country closed after 22 of its employees tested positive for coronavirus. The Abdullah Al-Mubarak Cooperative will resume its service until further notice. The same happened in the Al-Salam Cooperative after a volunteer contracted the disease. Methqal Abdullah from the Adriya Cooperative Society, unfortunately, succumbed to it.

The Situation of the Cooperative Societies and Business Establishments

The Kuwait Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that the inspection teams have file reports against thirteen shops. Four other shops also closed down for violating the guidelines to curb the coronavirus. They monitored 143 cooperative societies, shops, vegetable stands, and shopping centers, ensuring the prices. They also inspected 79 supply stores while reopening a single shop.

Another cooperative society in the country closed after 22 of its employees tested positive for coronavirus. The Abdullah Al-Mubarak Cooperative will resume its service until further notice. The same happened in the Al-Salam Cooperative after a volunteer contracted the disease. Methqal Abdullah from the Adriya Cooperative Society, unfortunately, succumbed to it.

I thanked all the employees working in the cooperative societies for their unceasing service to the community. They knew many cooperative societies are gradually closing down due to the COVID-19 infection. However, the employees and business owners continue to stay on their duty. Today marks the 71^st day of the curfew and the 4^th day of the government’s first-phase plan.

Resumption of Online Legal Assistance Program

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported 29 new COVID-19 cases of Overseas Filipinos with seven additional deaths and 30 recoveries. It brings to a total record of 5,259 cases with 354 fatalities and 2,205 recovered cases. As of now, 2,700 are undergoing treatment. Within the new cases, 32 cases are in the Asia Pacific region, 1840 are in the Middle East/Africa, 44 are in Europe, and 273 are in the Americas. 

 In New Delhi, the Philippine Embassy announced the repatriation of 160 Filipinos and that more are coming home soon. There are also 100 Filipino seafarers stranded in Mumbai. The embassy coordinated with the Department of National Defense to ferry the Filipino repatriates back through a Philippine ship on the coast of Oman. 

 The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) officially restarted its online legal assistance program to help the filing of illegal recruitment cases by the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia issued the Memorandum Circular No. 12 series of 2020 today. It contains the Legal Assistance Online Platform guidelines, ensuring the effective and timely delivery of all legal services. It aims to safeguard the welfare and rights of our fellow OFWs. 

The online platform is handy for the OFWs does not need to travel to the POEA main office if they seek legal assistance. Since the start of the community quarantine in the country, the lawyers had served 620 clients. They also received queries regarding non-payment of wages, contract violations, various forms of abuse, and others. The POEA lawyers handled and investigated the reports of recruitment violations and illegal recruitment. Through the online platform, the office gives the OFWs and their families convenience amidst the community quarantine.

Lastly, for the OFWs and overseas job seekers who want to avail of free legal assistance, the POEA advised them to log on to the following links.

• POEA legal assistance online platform: legalassistance.poea.gov.ph
• Legal Assistance Division Email: legalassistance.poea@gmail.com
• POEA Anti-Illegal Recruitment Branch Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/airbranch

I am very thankful to the authorities of the Philippines for their continuous service for my fellow OFWs. They continued sending more repatriates and prepared an online platform for their convenience. In this way, they can ensure the safety and welfare of the OFWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. For that, I hope that majority of them will be reunited with their families as the world heals itself from the threat of coronavirus.

“Bagama’t Siya’y Anak ng Diyos, natutunan Niya ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagsunod sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiis.”

Hebreo 5:8

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A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books.  Read more: About DiaryNiGracia