The Federal Government has clarified that Kuwait did not impose a fresh ban on Nigerian domestic workers, contrary to recent reports. In a statement issued on Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the reports as misleading, explaining that the suspension of recruitment was initiated by Nigeria's Embassy in Kuwait several years ago.
Suspension Was Embassy's Initiative, Not a Fresh Ban
The Ministry explained that the Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City formally wrote to the host Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting the suspension of recruitment and deployment of Nigerian domestic workers/housemaids from Nigeria to the State of Kuwait. This request was made pending the resolution of concerns relating to the welfare, protection, and working conditions of Nigerian domestic workers in the country.
"The Ministry wishes to clarify that the reports DO NOT accurately reflect the current situation. The Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City, Kuwait, had, a few years ago, formally written to the host Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend the recruitment and deployment of domestic workers/housemaids from Nigeria to the State of Kuwait pending the resolution of concerns relating to the welfare, protection, and working conditions of Nigerian domestic workers in the country," the statement read.
Background: June Reports of Kuwaiti Labour Regulations
Reports had emerged in June claiming that Kuwait introduced new labour regulations restricting the recruitment of domestic workers from Nigeria, Kenya, Chad and several other African countries. Those reports suggested that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior had issued a circular aimed at strengthening oversight of the domestic labour sector through revised administrative procedures.
However, the Nigerian government said the suspension involving Nigerian domestic workers predates those reports and was introduced at the request of the Nigerian Embassy because of concerns about the treatment of Nigerian workers in Kuwait. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the issue is not a fresh ban imposed by Kuwaiti authorities, but rather a continuation of measures earlier adopted by the Embassy to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of its citizens seeking employment abroad.
"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," the Ministry added.
Welfare Concerns Prompted Earlier Decision
Kuwait remains one of the major destinations for African migrant workers, particularly in domestic work, construction and other low-skilled service sectors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that concerns over the welfare of Nigerians employed in the country prompted the earlier decision to suspend recruitment. This move was aimed at protecting Nigerian workers from potential exploitation and ensuring their rights and dignity are safeguarded while abroad.
The Federal Government described the suspension as a proactive measure to address the welfare of Nigerian domestic workers in Kuwait. It also acknowledged that many Nigerians travel to Kuwait for economic opportunities, and the government considers their protection a priority.
Bilateral Framework for Fair Recruitment Practices
The Ministry also disclosed that Nigeria and Kuwait are working towards establishing a mutually beneficial framework that will guarantee fair recruitment practices, adequate legal protection and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers. This framework is expected to address the concerns that led to the suspension and create a more transparent and accountable system for labour migration between the two countries.
According to the Ministry, the ongoing diplomatic engagements between Nigeria and Kuwait are geared towards ensuring that the rights of Nigerian workers are fully protected while maintaining the friendly bilateral relations between both nations.
Call for Verification of Information
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged 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 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 concluded.
