Filipina falls victim to visa scam, faces deportation

By Ricky Laxa
Staff Writer

KUWAIT: In a distressing turn of events, a Filipina household worker, referred to as Juliet, currently housed in Talha, faces deportation due to a legal case initiated by her employer. Her story underscores the vulnerabilities of overseas Filipino workers falling prey to false promises in exchange of substantial amount.

Juliet’s ordeal began with her grueling work schedule — working 14 to 16 hours a day without a day off for two consecutive years. The dire situation pushed her to consider leaving her employer’s home, a decision she took after realizing that no solution would come from the recruitment agency she had initially approached with her concerns.

In a desperate bid for change, after her vacation, Juliet did not return to her employer. Compounding her predicament was the intervention of a so-called “friend,” a co-worker of her husband, who promised a quick resolution to her troubles.

In exchange for KD 900, she was promised a transfer and a new employer, a seemingly straightforward solution that would liberate her from her current suffering.

Such amount, claimed by husband’s friend was paid over to a Filipina who boasted on a Kuwaiti who can fix the problem.

However, Juliet’s hopes were dashed when the Filipina working at a salon, vanished, blocking all communications and leaving Juliet and her husband in debt and despair. As a result, Juliet was marked with an absconding case after failing to return to her employer.

The Philippine Embassy’s Migrant Workers Office (MWO) stepped in to facilitate her case, but their reach was limited. As outlined by an MWO officer, the department will exhaust all possible means to mediate, however, while mediation was possible, any legal actions could be initiated by the individuals involved.

Her husband, caught in this harrowing ordeal, sought the legal action against those who had deceived them. The legal firm he engaged assured him of thorough efforts to bring the Filipina to justice as well as those involved in facilitating the scheme.

The Filipina distanced herself from all contacts, even altering her social media identity, further complicated the situation.

“My biggest mistake was trusting people who offered assistance who are in anyway not in authority to resolve these issues,” her husband lamented.

His trust in Kuwaiti law persists, as he believes it can apprehend those involved in this nefarious scheme and prevent future victims from falling prey to similar scams.

This harrowing case highlights a broader issue facing many Filipina workers abroad. The labor framework is often complex, leaving workers like Juliet vulnerable to exploitation and deception. The connection between trust and betrayal is profound, as the couple’s reliance on a friend turned into a nightmare.

While the immediate future for Juliet remains uncertain, the incident raises questions about the protections afforded to overseas workers. As Juliet’s story unfolds, it serves as a critical reminder for Filipino workers abroad to exercise caution and to rely on credible avenues for assistance.

The fight for justice continues, not only for Juliet but for many who suffer in silence, hoping for a resolution midst a landscape fraught with challenges.

Juliet currently awaits deportation as lawyers initiate legal proceedings.