Kuwaitis Weigh In on Domestic Worker Escapes: Calls for Regulatory Mechanisms

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: The Director of the International Relations Department at the Public Authority for Manpower, Jaber Al-Ali, announced that three agreements regarding domestic workers have recently come into force. Additionally, 21 memoranda of understanding have been signed within the private sector, and around 44 draft memoranda of understanding between domestic workers and the private sector are currently in the negotiation stage and will be finalized soon.

This announcement was made during a report by Al-Akhbar Channel titled “The Domestic Workers Crisis: Increased Demand and Few Options.” The program featured Al-Ali and included a survey of citizens’ opinions on the ongoing challenges faced by families in managing domestic workers.

High-Level Meetings on Filipino Workers

Regarding Filipino workers, Al-Ali revealed, “A high-level meeting was recently held, chaired by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, with the Filipino side. Several key points were discussed. I was in dialogue with representatives of the Filipino embassy yesterday, and progress is promising. Requests to bring in Filipino domestic workers have already reached some offices.”

Rules of Domestic Worker Transfers

Al-Ali also addressed the transfer of domestic workers to the private sector after one year of employment in an employer’s home. He emphasized that regulatory decisions consider all parties involved, whether employer or worker. “Decision No. 6/2024, which followed inspection campaigns by the Authority’s Inspection Department, complements the grace period previously set for adjusting workers’ conditions. The law mandates the employer’s approval for transferring workers to the private sector, a year of employment with the current employer, and applicable fees,” Al-Ali explained.

Kuwaiti Citizen Feedback on Domestic Worker Escapes

The channel’s survey of citizens’ opinions revealed mixed views on the issue of domestic workers escaping before their term ends. Some respondents attributed this to the treatment by employers, while others called for mechanisms to regulate the situation. They highlighted that while some domestic workers prefer to stay after their employment period ends, others run away before completing their term. “It is not permissible to force a worker to stay if they do not wish to,” stressed some respondents.