Director General of the Labor Force: Intensifying labor market oversight strengthens efforts to combat human trafficking and protect workers
By Ali Al-Rashidi, Kuwait City, 30 July (KUNA) -- The Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, Engineer Rabab Al-Asimi, affirmed on Thursday that intensifying oversight of the labor market constitutes one of the main pillars of Kuwait’s efforts to combat human trafficking crimes and protect workers.
This statement was made by Al-Asimi in an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on the sidelines of opening the awareness exhibition “Freedom… Safety… Together Against Human Trafficking” at The Avenues Mall, in the presence of the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duwaikh Al-Sabah, on the occasion of the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery and Human Trafficking.
Al-Asimi said that the Public Authority for Manpower continues to implement a comprehensive package of supervisory, preventive, and awareness-raising measures, in line with national legislation and international commitments, contributing to enhancing a safe working environment that safeguards workers’ rights.
She noted that the Authority carried out 92,462 inspection tours this year, resulting in the detection of 20,219 violations at private sector establishments across various governorates, with legal measures taken against non-compliant establishments.
Furthermore, the Authority conducted 356 inspection tours in coordination with the implementation of the ban on outdoor work during midday hours, during which 373 workers were found in locations covered by the ban. Additionally, 25 complaints were received during the current year.
Al-Asimi stressed that the Authority remains committed to intensifying inspection campaigns to ensure compliance with the provisions of Labor Law No. (6) of 2010 and related decisions, detecting any practices that may constitute labor exploitation or forced labor, and taking legal action against violators.
She explained that the Authority continued to receive and process labor complaints and resolve disputes throughout the year, with a total of 27,365 complaints filed. The Authority also issued a number of decisions and circulars regulating the labor market to enhance compliance with legislation and protect workers’ rights.
More than 27,000 workers benefited from Administrative Decision No. (2) of 2026, which allows the transfer of imported workers in sectors covered by the decision, subject to specific legal regulations.
Al-Asimi clarified that the Public Authority for Manpower participates, as a member of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking chaired by the Minister of Justice, alongside various government entities, to unify national efforts and implement the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling (2025–2028).
She added that the Authority continues to receive labor complaints and provide protection and care for affected workers through its shelters for male and female migrant workers, in coordination with relevant authorities, to ensure their rights are preserved and they can access the necessary legal protection.
Al-Asimi emphasized that the file on combating human trafficking receives direct support and follow-up from the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Youssef Al-Saud Al-Sabah. This support has contributed to enhancing the integration of government efforts, accelerating the implementation of related national initiatives, and activating measures aimed at combating human trafficking crimes, in addition to achieving a qualitative leap in the management and oversight of the labor market.
She noted that the Authority has intensified awareness and guidance programs via social media platforms targeting employers and workers, aiming to promote a culture of compliance with workers’ rights and enhance a safe and decent working environment. The Authority also launched the “Asahel for Manpower” platform, a comprehensive electronic portal that allows workers to view work permit and contract details, submit requests and complaints, and track their status electronically. The platform also provides communication channels with the Authority and mechanisms to report any practices or violations that may infringe upon workers’ rights, thereby enhancing rights protection, increasing transparency, and reducing opportunities for exploitation.
Al-Asimi pointed out that the Authority launched the “Blighni” (Report to Me) service through the unified government electronic services application “Sahel,” enabling members of the public and workers to easily report any violations that infringe upon workers’ rights or contravene labor law provisions, including the employment of workers in unauthorized activities, employing minors below the legal working age, occupational safety and health violations, and employing workers during the midday ban period, among other related offenses.
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