Al-Asimi: “Balighni” enables confidential reporting of human trafficking suspicions, and digital transformation has achieved a balance of rights

Rabab Al-Asimi, Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, confirmed that the Authority’s participation in the events marking the World Day against Trafficking in Persons is part of efforts to raise community awareness of this crime, reach out to various segments of society to encourage reporting of any suspected trafficking cases, and inform the public about the procedures and mechanisms available to protect workers and ensure their rights.

Al-Asimi stated that the Authority is an active member of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, chaired by the Minister of Justice, and works to implement several recommendations outlined in the strategic plan to combat this crime. She explained that the Authority has bolstered its awareness campaigns through the “Protect Your Rights” initiative, which delivers awareness messages to employers and workers via social media, alongside field campaigns, including this year’s enhanced inspections on compliance with the midday work ban.

She added that the Authority introduced the “Report to Me” service through the “Sahl” app, enabling employers and members of the public to report any suspected cases of human trafficking. She emphasized that the Authority verifies such reports and takes necessary measures to protect victims and safeguard the integrity of the labor market.

This statement came on the sidelines of the Public Authority for Manpower’s participation in the World Day against Trafficking in Persons event held at The Avenues Mall, in collaboration with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the General Federation of Kuwaiti Workers, as part of joint efforts to promote awareness of human rights and explain mechanisms for combating human trafficking.

Al-Asimi noted that the Authority collaborates with state institutions and international organizations, and that such events help convey awareness messages to various societal segments in multiple languages. She pointed out that the Authority’s complaint indicators remain stable, given the availability of multiple reporting channels, while continuing to receive and address all reports.

She stressed that digital transformation has facilitated workers’ access to relevant authorities and enabled them to file complaints with complete confidentiality, thereby ensuring the protection of their rights and preventing any abuses. She highlighted that awareness campaigns have contributed to raising the level of awareness among employers and the general public. She underscored the importance of adhering to the law and treating workers with humanity, while striving to achieve a balance between the rights of workers and employers.

Responding to a question regarding the impact of campaigns conducted by the Authority and other relevant entities, she said: “We praise God that there is now greater awareness among employers and society at large.” She emphasized the necessity of following the law and treating workers humanely, as they may be the most vulnerable link, and added that, as an Authority, they aim to achieve a balance between the two parties in the equation—whether the worker or the employer—so that each receives their full rights.

For his part, Mohammed Al-Muzaini, Director of Public Relations and Media and Official Spokesperson for the Public Authority for Manpower, said that the Authority’s participation in the event stems from its commitment to direct engagement with members of the public in malls and public spaces, conveying a message that confirms and clarifies the existence of official bodies working to combat human trafficking and reinforce laws supporting workers’ rights and human rights in the State of Kuwait.

He added that Kuwait possesses an integrated system of relevant institutions responsible for monitoring trafficking cases and taking deterrent legal action against perpetrators. He noted that efforts are coordinated among the Public Authority for Manpower, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Interior, under the umbrella of the National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons, thereby enhancing the fight against and prevention of this crime. He pointed out that these entities operate under the National Committee, chaired by Justice Minister and Advisor Nasser Al-Samait.

Al-Muzaini stressed the importance of not withholding workers’ official documents or forcing them to work under duress, affirming that such practices are criminalized under the law. He noted that the Authority’s specialized departments monitor such cases and address them in accordance with legal procedures.

In conclusion, Al-Muzaini called on employers and workers to follow messages and guidelines issued by official authorities and to obtain information from approved sources, contributing to the protection of rights and the enhancement of community awareness.