FG Initiated Ban On Nigerian Domestic Workers In Kuwait-Spokesman

The Nigerian Government has issued a clarification regarding the reports about an alleged imposition of a ban on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers in the State of Kuwait, stressing that this decision is not new as it was the government that requested such to protect Nigerians in the country.

Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa said in a statement on Saturday that the media reports about the alleged ban do not accurately reflect the current situation.

He said, “The Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City, Kuwait, had, a few years ago, formally written to the host Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend the recruitment and deployment of domestic workers/housemaids from Nigeria to the State of Kuwait pending the resolution of concerns relating to the welfare, protection, and working conditions of Nigerian domestic workers in the country.

“Therefore, the issue is not of a fresh ban imposed by the Kuwaiti authorities on Nigerian domestic workers, but rather a continuation of measures earlier adopted by the Embassy to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of its citizens seeking employment abroad.”

The spokesman further noted that both Nigeria and Kuwait will continue to engage constructively through diplomatic channels on labour and migration-related matters.  He added that competent authorities from both sides will continue to engage with a view to establishing a mutually beneficial framework that guarantees fair recruitment practices, adequate legal protection, and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers.

“In light of the foregoing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify information from official sources before publication to avoid the dissemination of misleading reports that could cause unnecessary concern among Nigerians residing in Kuwait and their families at home,” he added.