FG denies fresh ban on Nigerian domestic workers in Kuwait
August 1, 2026 9:36 am
Sex workers. Credit: Refuge Network International
By Faith Alofe
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied reports that the Government of Kuwait recently imposed a ban on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers, describing the claims as inaccurate.
The ministry, in a press release signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Saturday, said the suspension of recruitment and deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait was initiated years ago by the Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait City, and not a fresh measure by the host country.
The statement, with reference number MFA/PR/2026/183, was titled, ‘Ministry of Foreign Affairs Clarify Reports On The Alleged Ban On Nigerian Domestic Workers In The State Of Kuwait.’
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs 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 read.
“The Ministry wishes to clarify that the reports DO NOT accurately reflect the current situation. The Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City, Kuwait, 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 the State of 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 development was not a new restriction imposed by Kuwaiti authorities, but a continuation of a measure it said the embassy had earlier adopted to protect Nigerian citizens seeking employment in the Gulf state.
“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 stated.
The ministry added that both countries would continue to engage through diplomatic channels on labour and migration matters, with a view to establishing a framework for fair recruitment practices and improved 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.
The ministry urged members of the public to verify information from official sources before publication, warning that misleading reports could cause unnecessary concern among Nigerians in Kuwait and their families back 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,” the statement said.
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