The Kenyan Embassy in Kuwait has clarified that Kuwait has not imposed a new ban on Kenyan domestic workers, stating that no new restrictions have been introduced against Kenya.
In a statement on June 11, the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Kuwait said the Government of Kenya voluntarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait about a decade ago.
“Kenya has not been newly banned from sending domestic workers to Kuwait. The Government of Kenya voluntarily suspended the deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait approximately ten years ago, and that position remains in effect,” the statement read.
However, the Embassy maintained that Kenya has not been newly barred from exporting domestic workers to the Gulf nation.
Why Kenya Has Not Been Newly Banned
The Embassy further explained that the recent communication issued by Kuwait authorities simply reflects the existing operational and regulatory framework governing domestic worker recruitment in Kuwait and should not be viewed as a new policy action directed at Kenya or Kenyan workers.
It noted that Kenya and Kuwait are currently engaged in consultations to develop a bilateral framework for the domestic labour sector, aimed at establishing mutually agreed mechanisms, procedures and safeguards to support future cooperation.
The Embassy also noted that the current arrangement applies only to domestic workers, adding that other categories of Kenyan professionals and job seekers remain eligible to seek employment opportunities in Kuwait in accordance with the laws and regulations of both countries.
Also Read: Why Kuwait has Banned Recruitment of Kenyan Domestic Workers
Describing Kuwait as an important and growing destination for Kenyan migrant labour, the Embassy said more Kenyans have secured jobs across various sectors in recent years, a trend it attributed to the strong reputation Kenyan workers have earned in the Kuwaiti labour market through their professionalism, competence and work ethic.
It further assured the public that the recent reports should not be interpreted as a new ban on Kenyan workers or as an indication of reduced employment opportunities for Kenyans in Kuwait.
The Embassy said it would continue working closely with authorities in both countries to strengthen safe, orderly and mutually beneficial labour mobility arrangements.
Also Read: Govt Publishes New Salary Rates for Domestic Workers
Kuwait Bans Recruitment of Domestic Workers From Kenya
On June 8, Kuwait banned the recruitment of domestic workers from Kenya and 26 other countries under new labour regulations.
According to the notice, the decision followed assessments and recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Public Authority for Manpower.
Kenya was among 27 countries from which recruitment has been prohibited. Other affected African countries included Uganda, Nigeria, Togo, Malawi, Chad, Djibouti, Niger, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Also on the list are Gambia, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Madagascar, and Bhutan.
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