Kenya dismisses reports of new Kuwait ban on domestic workers

According to Principal Secretary for Labour and Skills Development Shadrack Mwadime, recent media reports misinterpreted a communication issued by Kuwaiti authorities outlining updated procedures and regulations governing the recruitment of domestic workers.

Mwadime explained that Kenya was not subjected to any new restrictions, noting that the country voluntarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait nearly a decade ago, a position that remains in effect.

“The recent communication by the Kuwaiti authorities does not constitute a new restriction on Kenya. Rather, it reflects the existing operational and regulatory framework governing domestic worker recruitment in Kuwait,” he said.

The clarification follows widespread reports indicating that Kenya had been added to a list of countries from which domestic workers cannot be recruited into Kuwait.

However, the Labour Ministry emphasized that the development should not be viewed as a fresh policy action targeting Kenya or its workforce, but rather as a continuation of the long-standing status quo governing domestic labour migration between the two countries.

The ministry further revealed that Kenya and Kuwait are currently engaged in consultations aimed at developing a bilateral framework to regulate the domestic labour sector. The proposed arrangement is expected to establish mutually agreed procedures, safeguards and mechanisms to support future cooperation.

At the same time, Mwadime underscored that the restrictions apply exclusively to domestic workers and do not affect other categories of Kenyan professionals seeking employment opportunities in Kuwait.

“All other categories of Kenyan workers remain eligible to pursue employment opportunities in Kuwait in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries,” he stated.

The government described Kuwait as an important and expanding destination for Kenyan migrant workers, noting that increasing numbers of Kenyans have secured employment across various sectors in recent years.

Officials said ongoing engagements between Nairobi and Kuwait City are focused on strengthening safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility arrangements while enhancing protections for Kenyan workers abroad.

The clarification comes amid growing public concern over overseas employment opportunities for Kenyans, particularly in the Gulf region, which remains a key destination for migrant workers seeking better economic prospects.