"Ministry of Labour": Intensifying labour market oversight strengthens efforts to combat human trafficking and protect workers - Sarmad
(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 the opening of 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 Jawahir Ibrahim Al-Duwaikh Al-Sabah, to mark the World Day against Human Trafficking.
Al-Asimi stated that the Public Authority for Manpower continues to implement a comprehensive package of regulatory, preventive, and awareness-raising measures, in line with national legislation and international commitments, contributing to the enhancement of a safe working environment that safeguards workers’ rights.
She noted that the Authority carried out 92,462 inspection rounds 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.
She added that, coinciding with the announcement of the ban on outdoor work during midday hours, the Authority conducted 356 inspection rounds, during which 373 workers were found present at sites covered by the ban, alongside the receipt of 25 complaints during the current year.
She emphasized that the Public Authority for Manpower 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.
Al-Asimi clarified that the Authority continued to receive and address labor complaints and settle disputes throughout the current year, with the number of complaints reaching 27,365. It also issued a number of decisions and circulars regulating the labor market, thereby enhancing compliance with legislation and protecting workers’ rights.
She noted that 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.
She explained 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 Public Authority for Manpower continues to receive labor complaints and provide protection and care for affected workers through its shelters for male and female expatriate workers, in coordination with relevant authorities, to ensure their rights are preserved and they can obtain the necessary legal protection.
Al-Asimi affirmed 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, which has contributed to strengthening 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 clarified that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has intensified awareness and guidance campaigns via social media platforms targeting employers and workers, with the aim of promoting a culture of compliance with workers’ rights and fostering a safe and decent work environment. It also launched the “Easier for the Workforce” platform, a comprehensive electronic portal that enables workers to view their work permit and employment contract details, submit requests and complaints, and track their status electronically. In addition, the platform provides communication channels with the Ministry and mechanisms for reporting any practices or violations that may infringe upon workers’ rights, thereby enhancing rights protection, increasing transparency, and helping to reduce opportunities for exploitation.
Al-Asimi further noted that the Ministry launched the “Report to Me” service through the unified government application for electronic services, “Sahel,” to enable members of the public and workers to easily report any violations that infringe upon workers’ rights or contravene the provisions of the Labor Law, including the employment of workers in unauthorized activities, the employment of minors below the legal age, violations of occupational safety and health regulations, the employment of workers during the midday work ban, and other related infractions.
