Kuwait reaffirms full support for ILO efforts, highlights labor reforms, human rights initiatives
Al-Hayyen sheds light on Kuwait's proactive engagement with international labor standards and its pursuit of social justice through legislative and policy reforms
Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayyen, reaffirmed the country’s unwavering commitment to supporting the International Labor Organization (ILO) and promoting global cooperation toward a fairer and more sustainable labor future.
Speaking at the 113th International Labour Conference, Al-Hayyen highlighted Kuwait’s proactive engagement with international labor standards and its pursuit of social justice through legislative and policy reforms, reports Al-Rai daily.
Addressing the interconnected global challenges facing the labor market — such as biological threats, digital transformation, and the rise of platform-based economies — Ambassador Al-Hayyen emphasized the need for collective action based on progressive and flexible legislative frameworks. These frameworks, he stated, are essential to ensuring social protection and achieving equity across all labor sectors.
The Ambassador outlined Kuwait’s efforts to align its labor policies with the goals of its “New Kuwait 2035” development vision, particularly in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth.
Key legislative reforms include, he said, the Private Sector Labor Law (No. 6/2010), the Domestic Workers Law (No. 68/2015), and the Foreign Residence Law (No. 114/2024). A committee has also been formed to review labor laws and recommend amendments to strengthen worker protections, prohibit forced labor, and promote equal opportunity.
Kuwait’s approach to labor reform extends to international human rights obligations. Ambassador Al-Hayyen highlighted Kuwait’s initiatives in combating human trafficking and smuggling of migrants, including the establishment of a national committee and the hosting of the Sixth Regional Government Forum in April 2025. Kuwait has also launched public awareness campaigns under the national anti-crime strategy (2025–2028), titled “Towards Protecting Rights and Promoting Justice.”
Furthermore, Kuwait has prioritized the welfare of migrant workers by establishing specialized shelters—one for female workers since 2015, and another for male workers opened in February 2025. These facilities offer medical, legal, and psychological services, and partnerships with civil society organizations reflect Kuwait’s cooperative approach to labor sector development.
In a broader diplomatic context, Ambassador Al-Hayyen reaffirmed Kuwait’s firm stance in support of the Palestinian people, particularly in condemning violations of Palestinian workers’ rights in the occupied territories.
He welcomed a draft ILO resolution on Palestine’s participation status and linked it to Kuwait’s consistent support for Palestinian rights at the UN and other international platforms. He concluded by celebrating the strong and longstanding relationship between Kuwait and the ILO, now in its 62nd year.
