Labor Ministry: Establishing Special Units to Combat Human Trafficking

Amid the recent release of the U.S. Department of State’s 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, in which Kuwait retained its Tier 2 ranking for the second consecutive year, Al-Jarida learned from its sources that the Public Authority for Manpower is moving to establish specialized regulatory units dedicated to combating human trafficking, in compliance with the provisions of Law No. 91 of 2013 concerning the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The Authority intends, as part of its upcoming plan to strengthen labor protection, to form committees for the early detection of crimes related to human trafficking, ensuring the development of mechanisms to confront these crimes.

Sources revealed that the Authority is working to enhance existing efforts within its framework, making them more organized and effective, thereby supporting continued progress in the fight against human trafficking and building on the achievements following Kuwait’s retention of its Tier 2 status. They emphasized that these efforts align with the commitment of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, to protect workers’ rights, support the work of relevant agencies combating human trafficking, and strengthen measures to address illegal practices.

Sources clarified that the plan includes developing channels for receiving reports and complaints, alongside organizing the work of relevant committees, to enhance the early detection of cases requiring follow-up and to handle them in accordance with legal procedures. They noted that the Public Authority for Manpower is working within this framework to amend the Labor Law in the private sector and review implementing decisions, thereby supporting the protection of workers’ rights and strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking.

Furthermore, the Authority is preparing to participate, representing Kuwait, for the first time in the World Bank’s Doing Business Readiness Report, scheduled for early November next year. The report includes several points that have been discussed, which the Authority will leverage to develop Kuwaiti legislation related to the fight against human trafficking.