US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT3219

UNCLAS KUWAIT 003219 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR NEA/ARPI AND G/TIP 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: PHUM, PGOV, ELAB, KCRM, KU 
SUBJECT:  TIP UPDATE: RECENT GOK ACTIONS TO PROTECT FOREIGN 
WORKERS 
 
Ref:  A. Kuwait 3158 
 
      B. Kuwait 2863 
      C. Kuwait 2515 
 
1.  The GOK continues to address foreign labor exploitation 
problems following the release of the 2005 Trafficking in 
Persons (TIP) Report.  An inter-ministerial committee, 
referred to as the "Four-Member Committee," established mid- 
June to oversee expatriate worker affairs (ref B) met July 
19 to discuss ways to prevent labor exploitation.  Press 
reports said the committee is expected to recommend next 
week setting a minimum wage of 50KD ($171) per month for 
expatriate workers.  The GOK hopes this committee will 
demonstrate Kuwait's commitment to human rights, an English 
daily reported.  The GOK is working with the Kuwait Union of 
Domestic Labor Offices (KUDLO), an association of labor 
recruitment agencies, on statutes to prevent labor 
exploitation.  KUDLO also produced and distributed 
informational brochures on employee rights and obligations, 
provided basic training and orientation to domestic workers, 
and facilitated change in employment for some domestics. 
 
2.  The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MOSAL) is in 
discussions with the International Organization for 
Migration (IOM) to establish a regional migrant resource 
center in Kuwait (ref B).  The center would provide 
information and support to foreign workers and facilitate 
their access to legal assistance.  MOSAL Assistant 
Undersecretary, Adnan Al-Omar, who is leading the 
discussions for the GOK, welcomed cooperation with the IOM 
and reiterated the GOK's commitment to addressing problems 
of labor exploitation.  The discussions are expected to 
conclude by August 3, according to press reports. 
 
3.  MOSAL also worked with the Pakistani Embassy to resolve 
the problem of 400 Pakistani workers who entered the country 
on forged visas.  MOSAL issued temporary work permits to 
those without valid permits or passports, allowing them time 
to find new sponsors.  The workers are required to find a 
sponsor within two months or face legal action and possible 
deportation, an English daily reported. 
 
4. Stricter enforcement of a ban on working in direct 
sunlight between noon and 4pm began on June 5, although the 
law itself is not new.  As part of the enforcement process, 
MOSAL has fielded 200 inspectors who work throughout the 
country.  Employers found not to be in compliance with the 
ban could face fines ranging from 100KD ($342) per laborer 
for the first offense to 200KD ($684) for repeated 
violations.  Since mid-June, Arab Times, an English language 
daily, devoted half a page to pictures of laborers working 
in violation of the ban.  The newspaper claims the pictures 
are having an effect: only one violation was pictured June 
20.  The media in general, both Arabic and English, continue 
to report on the working conditions of Kuwait's expatriate 
workforce, promoting greater awareness of labor conditions. 
 
 
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http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ 
 
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State Department's Classified SIPRNET website 
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