Reports that Kuwait has slapped a fresh ban on Nigerian domestic workers are inaccurate, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified.
Following widespread media claims suggesting a new restriction by Kuwaiti authorities, the ministry issued a press release on Saturday to set the record straight. Signed by spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, it stated that the host country did not initiate the current suspension.
Instead, the ministry explained that the restriction was put in place years ago by the Nigerian Embassy in Kuwait City itself to safeguard its citizens from poor working conditions.
According to the ministry, competent authorities from both nations are working to establish a framework that guarantees fair recruitment practices, legal protection, and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers.
Addressing the confusion, 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… pending the resolution of concerns relating to the welfare, protection, and working conditions.”
The ministry added that the measure remains in effect to preserve the “safety, dignity, and rights” of Nigerians seeking employment abroad.
Journalists and members of the public have been urged to verify news through official channels before publishing, with the ministry warning that misleading reports risk causing unnecessary distress to Nigerians living in Kuwait and their families back home.