For the third consecutive day, the tripartite committee consisting of the Ministries of Interior and Trade, along with the Public Authority for Manpower, carried out extensive campaigns against domestic worker recruitment offices in Kuwait. These efforts were aimed at enforcing the domestic worker law, Ministry of Commerce regulations on labor recruitment prices, and the requirement to use K-Net devices for fee collection operations. As a result, 24 offices have been suspended for violating these regulations, as reported by Al-Jarida Daily.
The joint press statement from the committee revealed that a total of 78 offices, accounting for approximately 17% of all registered offices in Kuwait, have been suspended over the course of the three-day operation. The inspections on the third day specifically targeted domestic worker recruitment offices in the Farwaniya and Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh areas.
During these inspections, fifteen contract violations were recorded, and nine offices were seized for failing to utilize K-Net devices, which is a direct contravention of the Ministry of Commerce’s circulars. The committee emphasized that appropriate legal measures will be taken against these violators. Furthermore, the committee urged labor recruitment office owners to strictly adhere to the law, relevant ministerial decisions, and circulars to avoid legal consequences.
To ensure the enforcement of regulations and identify more violators, inspection rounds will continue daily. The aim is to create an environment where domestic workers are protected and their rights are safeguarded. The committee is committed to addressing any violations and taking necessary actions against those who do not comply with the law.
In another significant development, Marzouq Al-Otaibi, the Acting Director of the Public Authority for Manpower, met with the Ambassador of Bangladesh, Major General MD Ashiquzzaman, along with his accompanying delegation. The meeting highlighted the strong and historically distinguished relations between Kuwait and Bangladesh, expressing a commitment to strengthening and enhancing these relations further.
The discussion focused on cooperation mechanisms between both countries regarding the recruitment and employment of Bangladeshi workers in Kuwait. Al-Otaibi emphasized that the labor market in Kuwait attracts workers based on specific skills that meet its needs. He further stressed that the authority is continuously working to develop the process of recruiting skilled workers in a manner that serves the country’s development, economic interests, and benefits the workers and their home countries.
The primary role of the Public Authority for Manpower in providing legal protection and ensuring an appropriate work environment that safeguards the rights of all workers, including those from Bangladesh, across various sectors, was emphasized by Al-Otaibi. Both parties expressed their keenness for joint cooperation in addressing any issues faced by Bangladeshi workers and working towards their resolution.
Ambassador Ashiq Al-Zaman expressed his appreciation to Kuwait and the Public Authority for Manpower for their efforts in addressing the issues and challenges faced by Bangladeshi workers. He affirmed his commitment to developing bilateral relations in a mutually beneficial manner.
In conclusion, the recent crackdown on violations of domestic worker recruitment offices in Kuwait highlights the government’s commitment to enforcing labor laws and ensuring the rights and protection of domestic workers. The ongoing inspections and suspension of offices that violate regulations serve as a strong message to recruitment office owners to comply with the law. Additionally, the meeting between the Acting Director of the Public Authority for Manpower and the Ambassador of Bangladesh demonstrates the mutual commitment to cooperation and resolving any issues faced by Bangladeshi workers.
Source: TimesKuwait
