Dear Arab Times, I am a cook, and my sponsor told me to find another job, so I asked to be sent back home. Instead of helping me, my sponsor is now harassing me, demanding KD 800 to cover my travel to India. For the last three months, I have been suffering both mentally and physically from this stress. I have been threatened by Mandoup to pay KD 800. I come from a poor family. I am desperate and need urgent help — Dear Arab Times, what can I do to protect myself and return home safely?

A: Under the Kuwait domestic labor law, the sponsor is responsible for covering repatriation costs. You are not legally required to pay for your own travel. Harassment, threats, or coercion by your sponsor are illegal. You have the right to request repatriation and to report any abuse or undue demands to the authorities.Kuwait-inspired art
What steps can I take to resolve this legally?
Contact the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM): Domestic workers can report harassment and request repatriation. PAM can intervene to ensure your rights are upheld and travel costs are covered.
Reach out to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait: The embassy can mediate with your sponsor, coordinate with PAM and MOI, and assist with safe repatriation.

File a Complaint with the Ministry of Interior (MOI): If your sponsor threatens or harasses you, MOI can provide protection. You need to file a police complaint (Embassy will help you in this matter, too)

Document everything: Keep records of communications, any financial demands, and health issues caused by stress to strengthen your case.Kuwait-inspired art
Can the Indian Embassy help me return home?
A: Yes. The embassy can intervene with your sponsor, liaise with Kuwaiti authorities, ensure your travel expenses are covered, and provide guidance on filing complaints or seeking legal remedies.

As per our documented facts and response from Indian workers who are in Kuwait, the Indian embassy does take up the matter seriously and help

Indian Embassy Contact Information:
Phone: +965 6650 1754
Domestic Helpline (WhatsApp): +965 2482 8480
Emergency Line, WhatsApp: 65899348 / 65501946Kuwait-inspired art
Email: [email protected]
Should I pay my sponsor the KD 800 they are demanding?
A: No. This is not permitted under Kuwait's domestic labor law. Do not pay; report the harassment to PAM, MOI, and the Indian Embassy.