"Working Forces": Reporting suspicions of human trafficking via "Sahl"
Faisal Matar: The Acting Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower, Eng. Rabab Al-Asimi, confirmed that the Authority continues to fulfill its role in combating human trafficking by implementing the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking’s strategic plan. She pointed to the launch of a new service named “Blighni” (Report to Me) via the “Sahl” app, which allows individuals and employers to report any suspected cases of human trafficking, while ensuring complete confidentiality for whistleblowers and victims.
Speaking on the sidelines of events marking the World Day against Human Trafficking, Al-Asimi stated that the objective of this occasion is to raise community awareness about this crime, inform all members of society about the necessity of reporting it, and clarify the procedures and rights pertaining to workers and employers. She explained that the Authority is an active member of the National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by the Minister of Justice, and implements many recommendations outlined in the strategic plan, most notably awareness campaigns regarding workers’ rights. Among these is the “Protect Your Rights” campaign, which delivers simplified awareness messages via social media to inform workers and employers of their rights and duties.
Regarding awareness efforts, she added that the Authority has intensified inspection campaigns to enforce regulations governing the labor market, upgraded its mechanisms during the current year, and enhanced its electronic services. She noted that the new “Blighni” service enables all members of society to report any suspicion of human trafficking, after which the Authority investigates the reports, verifies them, and takes necessary measures to protect victims and facilitate their reintegration into the Kuwaiti labor market.
Al-Asimi emphasized that cooperation between government entities, civil society organizations, international organizations, and the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry contributes to delivering awareness messages to various segments of society, particularly workers of different nationalities and languages, thereby enhancing the success of efforts to combat human trafficking.
Regarding reporting indicators, she clarified that while the Authority’s indicators remain stable, community awareness has grown, and reporting channels have become more accessible through social media and electronic services.
For her part, Assistant Undersecretary for Human Rights Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Al-Sabah, confirmed that Kuwait annually observes the World Day against Human Trafficking, driven by its commitment to raising community awareness of workers’ rights and strengthening national and international efforts to confront this crime.
Al-Sabah stated that Kuwait possesses a national strategy to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling, emanating from the National Committee chaired by the Minister of Justice and comprising various relevant government entities, thereby enhancing the integration of efforts in this file. She added that Kuwait’s Law on Combating Human Trafficking is currently undergoing revision to ensure greater rights for workers, noting that approximately 1.7 million workers are present in the private sector in Kuwait, alongside nearly 700,000 domestic workers. She underscored the importance of guaranteeing their rights and protecting them.
Al-Muzaini: Consolidating Human Rights Principles
Mohammed Al-Muzaini, Director of Public Relations and Media at the Public Authority for Manpower, confirmed the Authority’s commitment to enhancing community awareness of the dangers of human trafficking crimes through participation in and organization of awareness events in shopping malls. These initiatives aim to engage directly with citizens and residents and highlight government efforts to protect workers’ rights and consolidate human rights principles in Kuwait.
Al-Muzaini said the participation aims to convey a clear message that government entities are continuously working to combat human trafficking, while clarifying the laws and legislation that guarantee the protection of labor in Kuwait. Highlighting these efforts coincides with the World Day against Human Trafficking.
“Blighni” Service: What is it?
An electronic service launched via the “Sahl” app by the Public Authority for Manpower, allowing reports on labor law violations and suspicions of human trafficking. It enables documenting violations with photos, sending data, and tracking reports. The Authority verifies reports and takes necessary measures. It enhances response speed, supervision, and the protection of workers’ rights. It ensures complete confidentiality for whistleblowers, victims, and complainants. Its slogan: “Because your report makes a difference.”
