FG: No Fresh Ban on Nigerian Domestic Workers in Kuwait
By Victor Idajili
The Federal Government says there is no new ban by Kuwait on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers.
In a statement on Saturday signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described recent media reports on the matter as inaccurate. The release, with reference number MFA/PR/2026/183, was titled ‘Ministry of Foreign Affairs Clarifies Reports On The Alleged Ban On Nigerian Domestic Workers In The State Of Kuwait.’
According to the ministry, the suspension being reported was not imposed by Kuwait. It was a step the Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait City took several years ago.
“The Ministry has taken note of recent media reports suggesting that the Government of Kuwait has imposed a ban on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers,” the statement said.
“The Ministry wishes to clarify that the reports do not accurately reflect the current situation. The Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City had, a few years ago, formally written to the host Ministry of Foreign Affairs to suspend the recruitment and deployment of domestic workers/housemaids from Nigeria to Kuwait pending the resolution of concerns relating to the welfare, protection, and working conditions of Nigerian domestic workers in the country.”
The ministry explained that the aim was to protect Nigerians seeking jobs in the Gulf country.
“Therefore, the issue is not of 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,” it added.
The ministry said Nigeria and Kuwait will keep engaging through diplomatic channels on labour and migration issues. The goal, it noted, is to put in place a framework that guarantees fair recruitment, proper legal protection, and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers.
“The Ministry further notes that both Nigeria and Kuwait will continue to engage constructively through diplomatic channels on labour and migration-related matters. Competent authorities from both sides will continue to engage with a view to establishing a mutually beneficial framework that guarantees fair recruitment practices, adequate legal protection, and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers,” the statement added.
It also urged the public to confirm information from official sources before sharing it, warning that misleading reports can cause panic among Nigerians living in Kuwait and their families at home.
“In light of the foregoing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges members of the public to exercise caution and verify information from official sources before publication to avoid the dissemination of misleading reports that could cause unnecessary concern among Nigerians residing in Kuwait and their families at home.”
