No Fresh Kuwait Ban on Nigerian Domestic Workers, FG Clarifies

The Federal Government has clarified that there is no fresh ban by the Government of Kuwait on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers, saying recent reports suggesting otherwise misrepresented the situation.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the current arrangement stems from a decision initiated by Nigeria through its embassy in Kuwait several years ago, and not from any new restriction imposed by Kuwaiti authorities.

It explained that the Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City had formally requested the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend the recruitment and deployment of Nigerian domestic workers pending the resolution of concerns over their welfare, protection and working conditions.

The ministry said the measure was introduced to safeguard the rights and dignity of Nigerians seeking employment in the Gulf country.

“It is not 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 statement said.

The ministry also assured that Nigeria and Kuwait remain engaged through diplomatic channels to address labour and migration issues affecting Nigerian workers.

It said discussions between the two countries would continue with the aim of developing a framework that promotes fair recruitment practices, adequate legal protection and decent working conditions for Nigerians employed in Kuwait.

The statement noted that the ongoing engagement reflects the commitment of both countries to finding mutually beneficial solutions that protect migrant workers while strengthening bilateral relations.

The ministry urged the public and media organisations to verify information through official channels before publishing reports capable of causing unnecessary anxiety among Nigerians living in Kuwait and their families.

It stressed that accurate information was essential to avoid the spread of misleading reports on issues affecting the welfare of Nigerians abroad.