The State of Kuwait has reiterated its steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and upholding the dignity of migrant workers, underscoring a proactive national approach to labor migration management.
Speaking before the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026 at the United Nations Headquarters on Thursday evening, Wafiqah Al-Mulla, Second Secretary of Kuwait’s Permanent Mission to the UN, detailed a suite of legislative and executive measures enacted to bolster worker protections.
These include the strict prohibition of forced labor, the criminalization of withholding migrant documents, and the implementation of transparent protocols for resolving labor grievances in a manner that preserves their human dignity.
The forum, convened from May 5-8, serves as the primary global platform for Member States to assess progress on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
Al-Mulla emphasized that Kuwait has adopted a holistic strategy to combat human trafficking. This framework is anchored in the criminalization of all forms of exploitation, the enforcement of a robust National Referral Mechanism, and the treatment of victims as individuals entitled to full protection under international human rights standards.
Furthermore, she highlighted a comprehensive overhaul of Kuwait’s legislative landscape. This includes modernized statutes governing anti-trafficking efforts, domestic worker protections, and foreign residency regulations.
Central to these reforms is the National Strategy (2025-2028) to combat trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, which aims to enhance governance and the efficacy of protective measures.
The diplomat noted that Kuwait’s balanced migration policy aligns labor market requirements with human rights obligations, consistent with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Kuwait Vision 2035.
To foster a “decent work” environment, the state is standardizing contractual relationships, adopting ethical recruitment practices, and refining labor inspection systems in collaboration with international organizations.
Al-Mulla also underscored the state’s commitment to providing essential social safety nets, including universal healthcare, legal aid, and specialized shelters for workers in distress.
On the technological front, she announced that Kuwait has transitioned to an integrated digital labor management system. This infrastructure supports evidence-based policymaking while enhancing transparency and administrative efficiency.
Al-Mulla noted that Kuwait has submitted its second Voluntary National Review (VNR), a testament to the country’s ongoing evolution in migration management.
She further cited the strengthening of bilateral partnerships to regulate recruitment, alongside a humanitarian shift that views detention as a last resort, prioritizing humane alternatives.
The Second Secretary concluded by affirming Kuwait’s resolve to continue working alongside the international community to ensure migration remains safe, orderly, and humane. – Kuna
