Kuwait’s upgrade in ‘Trafficking in Persons’ report credited to legislative, executive efforts

• By working closely with the Permanent National Committee, the Public Prosecution reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing coordination with relevant state bodies.
• This collaborative approach is intended to unify response mechanisms, ensure faster case handling, and bolster Kuwait’s adherence to its international obligations in combating trafficking in persons.

The Public Prosecution has described Kuwait’s improved international standing in combating human trafficking — moving from the Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report — as the result of sustained efforts on both the legislative and executive levels.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Prosecution, which is a member of the Permanent National Committee for Combating Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling, emphasized the practical steps taken to strengthen national mechanisms, reports Al-Rai daily

Among these steps was the reorganization of the Capital Prosecution Office to specialize in handling cases of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, ensuring a more targeted and professional approach.

The Prosecution also pointed to the issuance of internal circulars designed to standardize investigation procedures. This move has been accompanied by the active participation of its members in specialized training programs and workshops conducted in line with international standards. These initiatives, it noted, have raised the efficiency of personnel and improved their capacity to address the complexities of trafficking cases.

By working closely with the Permanent National Committee, the Public Prosecution reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing coordination with relevant state bodies.

This collaborative approach is intended to unify response mechanisms, ensure faster case handling, and bolster Kuwait’s adherence to its international obligations in combating trafficking in persons.

The statement further expressed gratitude to Minister of Justice and Chairman of the Committee, Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait, and to all committee members for their efforts. The Prosecution underscored its readiness to continue supporting the committee’s initiatives and to back any measures that contribute to strengthening Kuwait’s international reputation in this field.

Al-Sumait himself hailed the reclassification as a significant milestone, noting that Kuwait had been on the Tier 2 Watch List for the past three years. He explained that the upgrade reflects tangible reforms, including the adoption of stronger legal frameworks, improved institutional coordination, and enhanced victim protection programs.

He added that Kuwait’s progress sends a clear signal of the country’s determination to meet international standards and address longstanding concerns in the field of labor exploitation and human trafficking. At the same time, he acknowledged that the new classification also carries a responsibility for Kuwait to pursue ongoing reforms and continue implementing its national plan against trafficking in persons until 2028.

The Public Prosecution concluded that Kuwait’s advancement in the global ranking is not only recognition of reforms already achieved, but also motivation to sustain momentum and ensure that efforts remain aligned with international best practices.

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