Illegal domestic workers major risk to Kuwaitis, gov't interests

Arab Times

29-03-2025

KUWAIT CITY, March 29: Illegal domestic workers continue to cause big challenges for licensed domestic labor recruitment offices, beyond their economic impact that undermines State revenues. This includes losses from medical examination fees, residency renewal costs, flight operations and other indirect financial contributions, such as boosting the economy. The detrimental effects of illegal workers are numerous, presenting health risks to families while some workers receive monthly salaries of up to KD280. Head of the Domestic Labor Disputes Department at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Musaed Al-Hajri talked about the dangers posed by illegal workers, citing harm to families and waste of State resources.
In an interview with Kuwait TV, Al-Hajri explained that licensed recruitment agencies must renew their licenses annually for a fee that benefits the State. 'However, some families opt for illegal workers, which not only burdens them financially but also exposes them to increased risks, as these workers are often expensive and unsponsored. He pointed out that legal domestic workers contribute to the local economy, considering their food and clothing expenses are covered by employers and by stimulating air traffic and generating revenue from medical examinations and residency transfer fees. Munir Al-Asimi, owner of a domestic labor agency, expressed his concerns indicating that illegal agencies advertise on social media, often without an office or license.
'These individuals rely on their networks to smuggle workers from their original sponsors, offering high monthly salaries, sometimes reaching KD250 to KD280, but without official documentation,' he revealed. Al-Asimi warned that illegal workers might have contagious diseases or criminal backgrounds thereby, posing significant dangers to both citizens and expatriates. Bassam Al-Shammari, another domestic labor agency owner, called for the formal and legal establishment of recruitment agreements with various countries through new memoranda of understanding. He also proposed setting a minimum wage of KD120, and creating a new and swift mechanism for resolving labor disputes that ensures the recovery of all legally stipulated dues. He stressed the importance of enforcing laws regarding financial entitlements, weekly off, end-of-service benefits and annual leave; as well as activating a blacklist for non-compliant employers.
Al-Asimi mentioned three major harms that unlicensed domestic workers pose to citizens as follows: 1. Risk of crime: Unlicensed workers may commit crimes and flee, making it difficult for citizens to protect their rights. 2. Health threats: These workers could be carriers of contagious diseases that might spread to family members. 3. Legal consequences: Employers of unlicensed workers may be accused of concealing criminal activity. The government also faces several challenges due to the presence of unlicensed domestic workers: 1. Difficulty in prosecution: The illegal status of such workers makes it harder for authorities to hold them accountable. 2. Health risks: The spread of diseases from unlicensed workers is a public health concern. 3. Wastage of State resources: Illegal workers drain resources that could otherwise benefit the State.