The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, clarified that the suspension of recruitment was initiated by the Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait several years ago over concerns about the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian domestic workers.
According to the ministry, the Nigerian diplomatic mission had formally written to Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting a suspension of the recruitment and deployment of Nigerian domestic workers pending the resolution of concerns relating to their protection and working conditions.
“The Ministry wishes to clarify that the reports DO NOT accurately reflect the current situation,” the statement said.
It explained that the Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City had, several years ago, requested the suspension of the recruitment and deployment of domestic workers and housemaids from Nigeria to Kuwait.
The ministry said the decision was prompted by concerns over the welfare, protection and working conditions of Nigerian workers in the country.
“The issue is not a fresh ban imposed by the Kuwaiti authorities on Nigerian domestic workers, but rather a continuation of measures earlier adopted by the Embassy to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of its citizens seeking employment abroad,” it added.
Reports had emerged in June claiming that Kuwait introduced new labour regulations restricting the recruitment of domestic workers from Nigeria, Kenya, Chad and other African countries.
The reports alleged that Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior had issued a circular introducing revised administrative procedures aimed at strengthening oversight of the domestic labour sector.
However, the Nigerian government said the suspension affecting Nigerian domestic workers predates those reports and was introduced at the request of the Nigerian Embassy.
The ministry said the decision followed concerns over the treatment and welfare of Nigerians employed as domestic workers in Kuwait.
It noted that Kuwait remains a major destination for African migrant workers, particularly in domestic work, construction and other low-skilled service sectors.
The government added that Nigeria and Kuwait were working towards establishing a mutually beneficial framework that would guarantee fair recruitment practices, adequate legal protection and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged Nigerians to verify information from official sources before publishing or sharing reports concerning the welfare of citizens abroad.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify information from official sources before publication to avoid the dissemination of misleading reports that could cause unnecessary concern among Nigerians residing in Kuwait and their families at home,” the statement said.
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