Ethiopian domestic workers’ return to Kuwait jeopardized

The issue of Ethiopian domestic workers returning to Kuwait is likely to be postponed, pending the resolution of certain issues like unfair commissions and high salaries to the agents.

While the Ethiopian embassy announced the start of receiving company heads to begin the process of recruitment, the Union of Employment Offices issued a circular which explained that it will not work or renew the initial recruitment contracts known as “job orders” with the Ethiopian embassy.

The Union attributed this to the questionable treatment of officials in Addis Ababa, regarding recruitment commission and labor salaries, especially since unfair commissions were imposed on offices, as well as high salaries compared to the GCC countries.

A circular issued by the Ethiopian Ministry of Labor specified a commission of $1,300 (about 400 dinars) paid by the Kuwaiti office for each worker, the highest commission among the Gulf countries.

Ethiopian workers are expected to strike a balance in the market, and resolve issues of labor shortage, especially since their costs recruitment costs and salaries are moderate, facilitating both citizens and residents.