Here Are the 27 Countries Banned From Recruiting Domestic Workers to Kuwait

Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has implemented new regulations governing the recruitment of domestic workers, significantly altering the list of approved source countries. The updated circular permits the hiring of domestic help from 10 nations, including South Africa, Benin, Senegal (for males only), Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, and Nepal. These applications will be processed through governorate-level service centers to enhance efficiency.

Conversely, the new policy explicitly prohibits recruitment from a list of 27 countries. This extensive ban includes several Asian nations like Madagascar and Bhutan, and a significant number of African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Togo, Malawi, Chad, Djibouti, Niger, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Angola.

Authorities stated that the decision was informed by assessments and recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Public Authority for Manpower. Restrictions in some cases are specifically targeted at female domestic workers. The updated policy also takes into account diplomatic and administrative considerations, such as whether the listed countries have official representation within Kuwait. The directive has been disseminated to relevant residency affairs departments and service centers and is now in effect.