Kuwait launches probe into labour exploitation allegations

KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower took immediate steps to address the complaints of foreign workers and provided them with all possible assistance.

According to foreign media reports, this move is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the work system and improve the quality of services.

Following an unusual gathering of workers in Kuwait, authorities took immediate action and referred the matter to the relevant agencies for criminal investigation on suspicion of human trafficking.

According to the report, the Public Authority for Manpower received information that a large number of workers were gathered outside the headquarters in favor of their demands.

Authorities considered the situation as a possible threat of a collective labor dispute or work stoppage and immediately mobilized an emergency response team.

Authorities moved the workers to safe locations where they were provided with necessary facilities and protection.

In addition, relevant officers interviewed the workers to assess the reasons and circumstances of the gathering.

Initial investigations revealed numerous violations of labor laws, including evidence of exploitation of workers, and in some cases, concerns of forced labor and human trafficking were also raised.

Based on these serious evidences, the case was handed over to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), where the matter is being investigated further.

In this regard, the spokesperson of the Public Authority for Manpower said in its statement that protecting the rights of workers is the top priority.

The relevant authorities are of the opinion that labor laws will be strictly implemented, and legal action will be taken against violators without discrimination.

According to the agency, these measures are part of efforts to eliminate labor exploitation in the country and improve the system in line with international labor standards.

Although the number of workers involved in this incident, nationality, or details of the companies involved were not released, several incidents of exploitation of foreign workers have been reported in Kuwait in the past, especially in the delivery, construction, and service sectors.