Nigeria Clarifies Kuwait Domestic Workers Report, Says No Fresh Ban Exists.
By Owolola Adebola
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed widespread media reports claiming that the Government of Kuwait recently imposed a ban on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers, describing the reports as misleading and lacking proper context.
In a press statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry explained that the development being reported is not a new restriction by the Kuwaiti authorities. Rather, it stems from an earlier decision initiated by the Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City, which formally requested the suspension of the recruitment and deployment of Nigerian domestic workers to Kuwait pending the resolution of concerns over their welfare, safety and working conditions.
According to the Ministry, the suspension was adopted several years ago as a protective measure to safeguard the dignity, rights and wellbeing of Nigerians seeking employment in the Gulf nation, particularly those engaged as domestic workers and housemaids.
The Ministry stressed that the Embassy’s action was taken in response to persistent concerns about the treatment and legal protection of Nigerian workers, and should not be misconstrued as a fresh ban imposed by the Kuwaiti Government.
It further disclosed that Nigeria and Kuwait remain engaged in constructive diplomatic discussions on labour migration and related issues.
Officials from both countries, the Ministry said, are working towards a mutually beneficial framework that will guarantee transparent recruitment processes, adequate legal safeguards and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, the Ministry expressed optimism that ongoing bilateral engagements would lead to improved labour agreements that serve the interests of both countries.
The Ministry also appealed to journalists, media organisations and the general public to verify sensitive information through official channels before publication, warning that inaccurate reports could create unnecessary anxiety among Nigerians living in Kuwait and their families back home.
