Al-Shammari says, no domestic worker enters Kuwait without strict medical clearance

Bassam Al-Shammari specialist for affairs of domestic workers has reassured citizens and residents that all Filipino domestic workers undergo strict and comprehensive medical examinations — both before departure from their home country and after arriving in Kuwait—to ensure they are free from any immune-related and communicable diseases.

His statement comes amid reports that the Philippines may soon declare a national health emergency following a 500 percent surge in HIV cases among the young.

Al-Shammari emphasized that over 90 percent of Filipino domestic workers entering Kuwait are women, noting that the spike in infections is largely confined to young people in the Philippines.
He praised the professionalism and vigilance of the Kuwaiti health authorities, affirming that they will not permit the entry of any worker with infectious diseases.

In the meantime, Al-Shammari discussed the anticipated resumption of recruitment from Ethiopia following the expected enforcement of Decree No. 174 of 2024.

The decree approves the Memorandum of Understanding between Kuwait and Ethiopia for domestic labor recruitment. He said that local recruitment offices are prepared to initiate the process as soon as the Ministry of Interior opens the window to issue visas.

Al-Shammari predicted a strong demand for Ethiopian domestic workers among both Kuwaiti and expatriate families due to multiple factors, including a competitive recruitment cost that does not exceed 750 dinars.

He noted that Kuwait currently depends on just two countries for domestic labor and is facing a significant shortage, especially after restrictions limited the recruitment of Filipino workers to experienced individuals only.

This policy, he said, has eliminated around 60 percent of the potential supply.

He stressed that the recruitment of Ethiopian workers would be a timely and strategic move, as they represent the most viable alternative to alleviate the ongoing shortage. In 2013, the number of Ethiopian domestic workers in Kuwait peaked at approximately 76,000.

Al-Shammari called on government agencies to rectify any past shortcomings in the protection of domestic workers’ rights and to fully enforce labor laws.

Doing so, he said, will ensure the long-term sustainability of recruitment efforts and safeguard Kuwait’s reputation as a fair and regulated labor market.