The Federal Government has finally broken its silence on the controversial reports that Kuwait imposed a ban on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the reports as misleading, clarifying that the move was actually initiated by Nigeria itself.
Several media outlets reported in June that the Kuwaiti government had restricted the recruitment of domestic workers from Nigeria, Kenya, Chad, and other African nations. The reports claimed that Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior had issued a circular aimed at regulating the recruitment process and enhancing oversight via revised administrative procedures and controls.
These reports sparked concern among Nigerians, especially those seeking employment in the Gulf state. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the reports do not reflect the true situation.
What the Ministry Said
According to the ministry, the suspension of recruitment was not a fresh ban by Kuwaiti authorities. Instead, it was a measure adopted by Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Kuwait years ago. The embassy had formally written to the host country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend the recruitment and deployment of Nigerian domestic workers until concerns about their welfare and working conditions were resolved.
The ministry stressed that the issue is a continuation of earlier safety measures, not a new policy imposed by Kuwait. It said the aim is to protect the safety, dignity, and rights of Nigerian citizens seeking employment abroad.
“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.
It added: “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.”
Background: Kuwait as a Major Destination
Kuwait is one of the major destinations for African migrant workers in the Gulf region. Many Nigerians and other Africans travel there to work in domestic service, construction, and low-skilled service sectors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged that the condition of Nigerians in Kuwait has been questionable, which is why the embassy took the step to suspend recruitment.
This move was designed to address concerns about the welfare, protection, and working conditions of Nigerian domestic workers. It also reflects Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring that its citizens are not exposed to exploitation or poor treatment abroad.
Efforts to Establish a Better Framework
The ministry also revealed that both Nigeria and Kuwait are working together to establish a mutually beneficial framework that would guarantee fair recruitment practices. This framework is expected to include adequate legal protection and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers in Kuwait.
The ministry emphasised that the protection of Nigerian citizens is a top priority, and that the government is taking steps to ensure that any future recruitment follows proper procedures and safeguards.
Ministry’s Advice to the Public
In the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the public to be cautious and verify information from official sources before sharing or publishing it. The ministry warned that spreading misleading reports could cause unnecessary concern among Nigerians living in Kuwait and their families back 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 added.
The ministry’s clarification is expected to allay fears among Nigerians and provide a clearer picture of the recruitment situation in Kuwait.
