Kuwait caps domestic worker hiring at 10 countries, restricts recruiting from 27 others

Kuwait has introduced new regulations governing the recruitment of domestic workers, narrowing the list of approved source countries and placing restrictions on recruitment from dozens of others.The Ministry of Interior has issued a circular setting out updated procedures for hiring domestic workers, with recruitment now permitted from 10 countries. Officials said the changes are part of revised labour procedures aimed at regulating the sector and streamlining the recruitment process.Under the new rules, domestic workers can be recruited from South Africa, Benin, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam and Nepal. Recruitment from Senegal will be permitted for male domestic workers only, Arab Times Kuwait reported.Authorities said all recruitment procedures will be handled through governorate-level service centres, a move intended to simplify and organise applications.Additionally, the ministry has imposed restrictions on recruitment from 27 countries. Officials said the decision was based on assessments and recommendations submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Public Authority for Manpower.According to the circular, some of the restrictions apply specifically to female domestic workers, while others cover broader recruitment categories.The ministry said diplomatic and administrative considerations were taken into account when drawing up the updated list, noting that some of the affected countries maintain official representation in Kuwait while others do not.The directive has been distributed to residency affairs departments and relevant service centres across the country for implementation.Officials confirmed that the new recruitment regulations have already come into effect.