The International Organization for Migration has recognized the progress made by Kuwait in building a comprehensive system to protect the rights of migrant workers who form a cornerstone of the country’s economy. Public Authority for Civil Information figures place the expatriate population at approximately 3.3 million with the IOM assessment noting that they account for around 70 percent of the private sector workforce and represent more than 100 nationalities working in construction, services, healthcare, transportation and domestic roles. According to Mazen Abu Al-Hassan the head of the IOM mission this protection system continues to evolve through a strong legislative and institutional framework that includes three key pieces of legislation.
The Private Sector Labor Law No. 6/2010, the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants Law No. 91/2013 and the Domestic Workers Law No. 68/2015 provide the foundation for these protections Abu Al-Hassan explained. Positive steps in recent years have included the opening of a shelter for male migrant workers in 2025 and better access to complaint mechanisms through digital platforms such as the Sahel application. These initiatives have helped to streamline procedures while boosting transparency and shortening response times for workers seeking assistance the IOM mission found.
Labor inspection has also seen development particularly with the introduction of electronic documentation and regulation of working hours and rest periods under Resolution No. 15/2025 the IOM official reported. Domestic workers who number more than 880,000 from a wide array of nationalities have received particular attention in these reforms. The IOM mission has worked closely with Kuwaiti authorities to address their concerns through expanded awareness campaigns and other targeted measures.
Bilateral cooperation with countries of origin has been strengthened to better regulate recruitment processes and uphold worker rights according to the assessment shared by Abu Al-Hassan. Joint efforts with the IOM have focused on improving migration governance safeguarding workers and combating human trafficking while building institutional capacities across relevant government bodies. This partnership has produced specialized training programs including 21 sessions that reached 462 participants from the Ministry of Interior and associated agencies on how to identify and assist victims of trafficking.
Further reforms rolled out in 2024 and 2025 have centered on digital transformation with new systems introduced for issuing work permits facilitating labor transfers and verifying professional qualifications the assessment detailed. The expanded deployment of electronic platforms including As’hal Sahel and Kuwait Visa has simplified administrative processes reduced required time and effort and promoted greater transparency in labor market transactions. Abu Al-Hassan pointed to these advancements as evidence of the structured approach taken toward labor mobility.
The IOM representative issued his remarks as attention turns toward the 2026 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons which carries the theme “Trapped Behind Fraud” to spotlight the dangers of cyber-enabled exploitation that can lead to trafficking. He advised prospective migrant workers to seek accurate and reliable information before traveling to Kuwait for employment opportunities. Expatriates have played a vital role in the nation’s economic and social development for decades he added underscoring the importance of fair migration pathways.
