US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT4031

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 004031 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR NEA/ARPI AND G/TIP 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/11/2015 
TAGS: PHUM, PREL, PGOV, ELAB, KDEM, KCRM, KU, Labor 
SUBJECT: TIP UPDATE:  MINISTER SAYS GOK WILL "MAXIMIZE 
EFFORTS AND MINIMIZE TIME" IN IMPROVING TIP CONDITIONS 
 
REF: A. KUWAIT 4007 
     B. STATE 163401 
     C. KUWAIT 3603 
     D. KUWAIT 3412 
     E. KUWAIT 3158 
     F. STATE 108156 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). 
 
1.  (C)  The Ambassador met Kuwaiti Minister of Social 
Affairs and Labor (MOSAL) Faisal Al-Hajji on September 12 
that Kuwait to discuss Trafficking in Persons (TIP).  He 
commended Kuwait for the progress made to date, but said even 
more should be done to address legal protection for 
expatriate workers, especially domestics, to establish 
reconciliation centers and shelters, and to prosecute human 
traffickers.  He welcomed the regular dialogue between the 
DCM and other embassy officers with MOSAL personnel on 
trafficking and predicted that continued progress would 
enhance Kuwait's image as an advanced, modern state and set 
an example for neighboring countries.  He further noted 
Kuwait's booming economy and the many contributions made by 
foreign workers and encouraged the GOK to acknowledge them by 
improving their working conditions and legal rights. 
 
"I Have a Duty and I Will Do It" 
-------------------------------- 
 
2.  (C)  Al-Hajji told the Ambassador the current situation 
for expatriate workers was unacceptable, and said he had a 
duty as a both a Kuwaiti citizen and Government official to 
improve working conditions.  Describing the expatriate worker 
situation as a "mountain that cannot be removed or moved in 
one day or one month," he said the GOK was serious about 
improving labor conditions and needed time to execute its 
plan.  The Minister agreed that the goal should be for Kuwait 
to be a model not just for the Gulf or Arab World, but for 
the entire Middle East and asserted the GOK would not accept 
second place.  He said he appreciated the U.S. focus on TIP 
issues as it illustrated real concern about Kuwait and 
highlighted strong bilateral relations and the ability to 
talk openly about sensitive matters. 
 
3.  (C)  Al-Hajji reviewed measures to address TIP, 
commenting that the inter-ministerial committee under the 
Council of Ministers, chaired by MOSAL, has been extremely 
active.  As an example, he cited the quick action to 
reinforce the ban underage camel jockeys.  Al-Hajji pointed 
to the ban on unsheltered summer outside work between noon 
and 4:00 PM as another success.  He reported 80% 
effectiveness which he attributed to strict enforcement and 
regular inspections.  On the subject of domestic workers, he 
said while household workers were under the direct authority 
of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), they were nevertheless the 
responsibility of the Government of Kuwait and, as a result, 
MOSAL had an obligation to ensure their safety and 
well-being.  He advised the Ambassador of MOSAL involvement 
in standardizing contracts for domestic workers, establishing 
minimum wage guidelines, and clarifying work hours and 
holidays.  The Minister added that the committee was engaging 
in the shelter issue and taking action, not just studying the 
matter.  Responding to the Ambassador's comment that early 
GOK intervention was required so that chartering flights and 
repatriating workers was not the only option, Al-Hajji said 
that MOSAL was working with the MOI servants' office on 
dispute mediation. 
 
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Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ 
 
You can also access this site through the 
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website 
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LEBARON