450 Indonesian Nurses Working in Kuwait, Over 1,000 Apply for Jobs

KUWAIT CITY, May 10: Indonesian Ambassador to Kuwait Lena Maryana said the celebration of International Nurses Day and Labor Day, organized by the Indonesian Nurses Association in Kuwait in cooperation with the Indonesian Embassy, is a manifestation of Indonesia's appreciation of Indonesia for the vital role played by the Indonesian nurses and workers in supporting the health sector and labor market in Kuwait. In a statement to reporters on the sidelines of the event, Ambassador Maryana disclosed that the number of Indonesian nurses in Kuwait reached about 450, adding that batches of Indonesian nurses have been arriving to the country since last year. She stated that more than 1,000 Indonesian nurses have applied to work in Kuwait through the direct recruitment system approved by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Health, emphasizing that they are subject to the selection and evaluation criteria set by the ministry.

She added that the Indonesian Embassy has been working hard since 2021 to strengthen cooperation with the Kuwaiti health sector, exploring the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding to regulate the recruitment of Indonesian nursing staff, given the increasing need of Kuwait for medical professionals in line with its Vision 2035. She pointed out that the Indonesian community in Kuwait consists of qualified and trained professionals in various sectors like oil and gas, hospitality and industries. She confirmed that Indonesia has a large pool of skilled workers capable of meeting the demands of the Kuwaiti labor market.

Regarding the size of the community, she revealed that the number of Indonesians residing in Kuwait is about 6,800. She said the embassy is keen on continuously monitoring their situation and addressing the issues they might be facing, in coordination with the relevant Kuwaiti authorities. She praised the Kuwaiti government for its efficient crisis management, asserting that Kuwait showed a high level of preparedness and organization, particularly in the health sector. She said the Indonesian nurses experienced the rapid response and cooperation between official bodies and medical teams during exceptional times. She also commended the Indonesian nurses for their commitment to fulfill their professional and humanitarian duties in the recent crises, affirming their dedication and responsibility in supporting the Kuwaiti healthcare system.

By Fares Ghaleb Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff