After dedicating 33 years of his life to serving as an assistant sanitary technician (plumber) under the Ministry of Education’s sponsorship, Sivarajan Nagaban Achari, an Indian plumber, is now requesting the settlement of his end-of-service benefits. This long overdue request has brought attention to the challenges faced by migrant workers in receiving their entitled benefits.
Achari’s tenure was abruptly interrupted when he had to return to India during the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. During his absence, he did not receive his end-of-service gratuity and vacation salary for a 3-month period. The Indian Embassy in Kuwait, acting as a mediator, has implored the Kuwaiti authorities to address this matter and assist in securing the outstanding benefits owed to Achari by the Ministry of Education.
In response to the embassy’s plea, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the responsibility for the end-of-service reward falls under the purview of the Civil Service Commission, rather than the Ministry itself. This clarification highlights the complexity of the bureaucratic processes involved in settling such claims.
Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Achari’s information had undergone the necessary scrutiny and verification in the integrated systems. Although he did not reference his data in the Integrated Systems, the Ministry was able to locate the contract between the Ministry and the worker, ensuring that steps would be taken to safeguard his entitlements.
This case sheds light on the challenges faced by migrant workers in accessing their rightful benefits. It serves as a reminder that the legal and administrative systems need to be more streamlined and transparent to ensure that individuals like Achari receive the benefits they deserve.
Migrant workers play a crucial role in the development and growth of many countries, often taking on jobs that are essential but less desirable to the local population. It is important to recognize their contributions and protect their rights, including their entitlement to end-of-service benefits.
In many countries, including Kuwait, labor laws and regulations are in place to protect the rights of workers, both local and foreign. These laws outline the obligations of employers to provide fair compensation and benefits to their employees. However, the implementation and enforcement of these laws can sometimes be challenging, leading to cases like Achari’s, where workers face delays or even denial of their entitled benefits.
To address these challenges, it is crucial for governments and relevant authorities to establish clear procedures for handling end-of-service benefits and ensure that these procedures are followed consistently. This includes proper documentation and record-keeping to avoid any discrepancies or misunderstandings regarding workers’ entitlements.
Furthermore, awareness campaigns and educational programs can be implemented to inform both employers and employees about their rights and obligations. By promoting a culture of transparency and accountability, the likelihood of disputes and delays in benefit settlements can be minimized.
In conclusion, the case of Sivarajan Nagaban Achari highlights the need for improved systems and processes to ensure that migrant workers receive their entitled benefits. Governments and relevant authorities should work together to streamline procedures, enhance transparency, and raise awareness about labor rights. By doing so, we can create a more just and equitable environment for all workers, regardless of their nationality or occupation.
Source: TimesKuwait
