Kuwait and Philippines engage in talks to address domestic worker shortage crisis

Kuwait and the Philippines are in talks to address the domestic worker shortage crisis that has escalated in recent days. Sri Lanka has set new prices for recruiting its workers, adding to the urgency of the situation. The aim of the talks is to bring officials from both countries together to find a solution, reported Al-Jarida Daily.

It is crucial for the negotiations to be concluded quickly so that Kuwait can resume sending new domestic workers from Manila, especially with the approaching month of Ramadan, when demand for these services is high. While the discussions are expected to take place virtually through the “Zoom”, Kuwaiti government agencies, including the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior, and the Public Authority for Manpower, are currently reviewing the request from the Philippines to resume recruitment.

The negotiations are being conducted through virtual meetings, and it is vital for the government to take swift action in order to resolve the issues discussed last month, which had seen positive progress, except for Manila’s insistence on labor shelters established by its embassy in Kuwait.

Bassam Al-Shammari, an expert in domestic labor affairs, warned of a severe labor shortage crisis in the Kuwaiti market over the next two months if the government does not act quickly to remove obstacles hindering local recruitment offices from bringing in new workers who can meet the demands and needs of citizens.