Kuwait – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Kuwait praised the Government of Kuwait for its upgrade to Tier 2 on the US Department of State’s 2019 Report on Trafficking in Persons (TIP).  

From 2016 until 2018, Kuwait has maintained its status on Tier 2 Watch List on the annual trafficking report. During those years, the State of Kuwait’s efforts in complying with international laws and standards to combat Trafficking in Persons have significantly and consistently increased.  

Iman Ereiqat, IOM Kuwait’s Chief of Mission, said: “This development is in line with the pioneering humanitarian leadership and efforts made by Kuwait, not only locally but also regionally and globally at all levels to contribute to the alleviation of the suffering of those affected by crises regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion or political affiliation.” 

More potential victims of trafficking are provided with several protective services including the Public Authority for Manpower’s (PAM) Shelter for Female Migrant Workers. The shelter is a haven for workers who have been exploited or trafficked, whether from their country of origin or in Kuwait.  A hotline for the shelter has recently been established to process any complaints at all hours of the day.  

The State of Kuwait exemplifies its continuous commitment towards the protection of the rights of some 600,000 domestic workers. An anti-trafficking law established in 2013 ensures that the rights of domestic workers are fully protected. Domestic workers law no. 68/2015m, passed two years later, provides legal entitlements to protect the rights of both the worker and the employer. Reported potential trafficking cases undergo thorough investigation by the Ministry of Interior’s specialized trafficking unit where criminals are then penalized based on the crimes committed.  

IOM’s mission in Kuwait maintains its strong ties with the State of Kuwait and the Government shelter to by providing technical advice when needed and providing vulnerable migrants with assisted voluntary return and reintegration (AVRR). IOM works in close coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Justice and the Public Authority for Manpower. It is important to note that for the first time IOM nominated a Goodwill Ambassador, Sheikha Bibi Nasser Al Sabah, for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) based on her admirable efforts in advocating for the rights of migrant workers for the past decade. 

To read the full report, click here 

For more information please contact: Dana Al-Othman at IOM Kuwait, Email: dalothman@iom.int