FG clarifies reports of Kuwaiti government banning Nigerian domestic workers

The Federal Government has clarified reports claiming that Kuwait recently imposed a ban on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers, describing the reports as misleading.

In a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the reports do not accurately reflect the current situation, explaining that the suspension of recruitment was initiated by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Kuwait several years ago.

According to the ministry, the Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait had formally requested the suspension of the recruitment and deployment of Nigerian domestic workers pending the resolution of concerns over their welfare, protection and working conditions.

The ministry said: “The Ministry wishes to clarify that the reports DO NOT accurately reflect the current situation. The Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City, Kuwait, had, a few years ago, formally written to the host Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend the recruitment and deployment of domestic workers/housemaids from Nigeria to the State of Kuwait pending the resolution of concerns relating to the welfare, protection, and working conditions of Nigerian domestic workers in the country.”

It added: “The issue is not a fresh ban imposed by the Kuwaiti authorities on Nigerian domestic workers, but rather a continuation of measures earlier adopted by the Embassy to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of its citizens seeking employment abroad.”

Reports had emerged in June claiming that Kuwait introduced new labour regulations restricting the recruitment of domestic workers from Nigeria, Kenya, Chad and several other African countries. The reports stated that the Kuwait Ministry of Interior issued a circular aimed at strengthening oversight of the domestic labour sector through revised administrative procedures.

However, the Nigerian government said the suspension involving Nigerian domestic workers predates those reports and was introduced at the request of the Nigerian Embassy because of concerns about the treatment of Nigerian workers in Kuwait.

The ministry noted that Kuwait remains one of the major destinations for African migrant workers, particularly in domestic work, construction and other low-skilled service sectors, adding that concerns over the welfare of Nigerians employed in the country prompted the earlier decision.

It also disclosed that Nigeria and Kuwait are working towards establishing a mutually beneficial framework that will guarantee fair recruitment practices, adequate legal protection and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers. The ministry urged members of the public to verify information from official sources before sharing or publishing it.

It said: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify information from official sources before publication to avoid the dissemination of misleading reports that could cause unnecessary concern among Nigerians residing in Kuwait and their families at home.”