Kuwait reforms protect migrant workers rights

He disclosed that workers of more than 100 nationalities contribute to essential sectors like construction, services, healthcare, transportation and domestic work. He added that the migrant worker protection system of the country continues to develop through a strong legislative and institutional framework. He indicated that several laws serve as the main pillars in protecting the rights of workers, such as Private Sector Labor Law No. 6/2010, Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Law No. 91/2013, and Domestic Workers Law No. 68/2015. He stated that Kuwait introduced a number of positive measures in recent years, which have strengthened the protection system, citing the opening of a shelter for male migrant workers in 2025 as one of the most significant developments. He confirmed that access to complaint mechanisms and official authorities has been improved through digital platforms, including the Sahel application and other approved electronic channels. He stressed that these measures streamlined procedures, increased transparency, and improved response times.

He added that labor inspection mechanisms have also undergone significant development, particularly through the electronic documentation and regulation of working hours and rest periods in accordance with Resolution No. 15/2025. He revealed that domestic workers constitute a substantial segment of the workforce in the country, with their number estimated at more than 880,000 individuals of diverse nationalities and backgrounds. He said addressing the issues concerning domestic workers remains a priority in ensuring a safe and dignified working environment for all parties. He pointed out that Kuwait took several important steps in recent years to strengthen protection for domestic workers, including the enactment of Domestic Workers Law No. 68/2015, adoption of standardized employment contracts, expanded awareness programs, and enhanced bilateral cooperation with countries of origin to regulate recruitment and safeguard workers’ rights. He revealed that cooperation between the IOM and Kuwaiti government agencies led to the implementation of several important initiatives in recent years, aimed at improving migration governance, protecting migrant workers, combating human trafficking, and strengthening institutional capacity. He cited one of the notable initiatives -- the specialized capacity-building programs focused on combating human trafficking. “In cooperation with the Ministry of Interior, the IOM organized 21 specialized training sessions that benefited 462 participants from various relevant departments. The training was designed to improve their ability to identify victims of trafficking and implement the relevant national procedures,” he elaborated.

He added that Kuwait introduced a series of reforms and regulatory measures throughout 2024 and 2025, thereby, proving its commitment to modernize the labor market and raise its efficiency. He said the crucial developments include the advancement of digital systems for issuing work permits and managing labor transfers, along with more structured mechanisms for verifying qualifications and professional classifications. He also highlighted the expanded use of electronic platforms to deliver services and process transactions, indicating that platforms such as As’hal, Sahel and Kuwait Visa simplified procedures, increased transparency, and reduced the time and effort required to complete transactions.

He clarified that the theme of the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, “Trapped Behind Fraud,” draws attention to the hidden human cost of cyber fraud and online scams. He explained that cyber fraud extends beyond financial crimes and cyber offenses, stressing that such schemes may conceal cases of human trafficking involving victims who have been deceived, recruited through false promises, and subjected to coercion. He confirmed that Kuwait continues to offer excellent employment opportunities and that expatriate workers have been playing an important role in the country’s economic and social development for decades. He advised those considering employment in Kuwait to obtain accurate and reliable information before deciding to travel.