Kuwait reclaims its standing as a trusted destination for domestic workers

Kuwait’s domestic labor market is undergoing a decisive revival, with renewed international confidence in the country’s worker protection procedures driving a steady increase in recruitment and expanding the list of labor-exporting nations to 11 countries across Asia and Africa.

Bassam Al-Shammari, a specialist in domestic labor affairs, confirmed that the sector is witnessing broad recovery and stability on all levels, particularly in the number of workers who have already arrived and commenced employment, as well as those who have been issued visas and are expected to enter the country upon completion of procedures.

He attributed this turnaround to the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, and the intensive efforts of the leadership of the Public Authority for Manpower, especially Regulating the Recruitment of Domestic Workers Department, in addressing complaints, restoring rights, and correcting past shortcomings that had negatively affected Kuwait’s reputation in this sector; reports Al-Jarida daily

Al-Shammari explained that in previous periods, unresolved complaints and procedural gaps had led to a decline in recruitment and even caused some countries to restrict or halt the export of domestic workers to Kuwait, effectively turning the country into an unattractive destination for this labor. That phase, he stressed, has now ended.

“The strongest evidence of stability is the return of confidence from exporting countries,” he said. “Kuwait now deals with 11 countries supplying domestic workers, including six Asian and five African nations.”

The Asian countries currently exporting labor to Kuwait are India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam and Bangladesh, while the African countries include Ethiopia, South Africa, Senegal for male workers, Eritrea and Benin.

Al-Shammari stressed that the state has shown clear seriousness in facilitating the submission of labor complaints, accelerating their resolution, and activating the role of shelters dedicated to domestic workers.

He said these measures have ensured the preservation of workers’ rights, enhanced their protection, and reassured exporting countries that Kuwait is committed to fair treatment and humane working conditions.

“This tangible improvement reflects the government’s commitment to justice and protection, and it has had a direct impact on restoring confidence and revitalizing recruitment,” he said.

In a significant development, Al-Shammari revealed that the current progress may soon lead to a breakthrough in the long-stalled file of new Filipino domestic workers. For nearly three years, the Philippine government has restricted exports to Kuwait, allowing only experienced workers to be deployed due to earlier concerns.

“The seriousness we are witnessing now in resolving complaints, protecting rights and activating shelters heralds a potential reopening of this file for new Filipino workers for the first time in years,” he said, adding that this would have a very positive impact on the market and on families who depend heavily on these services.

According to statistics issued by the Public Authority for Civil Information, the total number of domestic workers in Kuwait has reached 823,000. Females account for 56.2 per cent of this total, while males make up 43.8 per cent.

By nationality, Indian workers rank first with 340,000, representing 41.3 per cent of the total. Filipino workers come second with 148,000, accounting for 18 per cent, followed by Sri Lankans with 145,000 workers, or 17.6 per cent. Bangladeshis rank fourth with 95,000 workers, representing 11.5 per cent, while Nepal comes fifth with 59,000 workers, or 7.2 per cent.

These figures, Al-Shammari said, clearly demonstrate the scale of recovery and the renewed attractiveness of Kuwait as a destination for domestic labor.

With Ramadan approaching and demand traditionally rising during the holy month, Al-Shammari reassured both citizens and residents that domestic workers are available in ample numbers and that recruitment procedures are moving smoothly.
“There is no cause for concern,” he said.

“The market is stable, supply is strong, and the sector is regaining its momentum.”

From being viewed as a difficult destination to regaining its status as a trusted partner, Kuwait’s domestic labor market is entering a new phase marked by stronger regulation, faster complaint resolution, active shelters and restored international confidence.

The transformation, observers say, is not only reshaping the sector but also reinforcing Kuwait’s standing as a country committed to fairness, protection and dignity in labor relations.