Embassy: Kuwait has not imposed new ban on domestic workers

The Embassy of Kenya in Kuwait June 12 /HANDOUT

The Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait has clarified that Kuwait has not imposed a new ban on the recruitment of Kenyan domestic workers.

This follows reports suggesting that Kenya had been added to a list of countries from which domestic workers cannot be recruited.

In a statemen issued on June 11, the embassy said recent media reports had misinterpreted a communication from Kuwaiti authorities updating procedures and regulations governing the recruitment of domestic workers.

According to the embassy, Kenya's deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait was voluntarily suspended by the Kenyan government about 10 years ago, and that position remains unchanged.

"The recent communication by the Kuwaiti authorities does not constitute a new restriction on Kenya," the embassy said, adding that it reflects the existing operational and regulatory environment governing domestic worker recruitment in Kuwait.

The embassy said Kenya and Kuwait are engaged in ongoing consultations aimed at developing a bilateral framework for the domestic labour sector.

The discussions seek to establish mutually agreed mechanisms, procedures and safeguards to support future cooperation.

It emphasised that the current restrictions apply only to the domestic worker category and do not affect other Kenyan workers seeking employment opportunities in Kuwait.

"All other categories of Kenyan workers remain eligible to pursue employment opportunities in Kuwait in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations of both countries," the statement said.

The embassy also described Kuwait as an important and growing destination for Kenyan migrant labour, noting that increasing numbers of Kenyans have secured jobs in various sectors in recent years.

It said Kenyan workers have built a strong reputation in Kuwait for their professionalism, competence and work ethic.

The embassy assured Kenyans and stakeholders that the recent reports should not be interpreted as a new ban or as a sign of reduced employment opportunities for Kenyans in Kuwait.

It pledged to continue working with authorities in both countries to strengthen safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility arrangements.