Foreign Ministry, Manpower Authority review labor rights

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represented by the Human Rights Department, held a joint coordination meeting Tuesday with the Public Authority for Manpower to review labor rights developments and enhance institutional coordination. In a statement to KUNA, the Ministry said the meeting was attended by Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Assistant Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs Minister Plenipotentiary Tahani Al-Nasser, and Manpower Authority Director General Rabab Al-Osaimi. The meeting aimed to strengthen coordination among national entities and integrate roles in developing labor-related policies and legislation, ensuring balance between workers' and employers' rights while advancing Kuwait's labor protection framework. Participants reviewed the relevant international legal framework, affirming Kuwait's commitment to international labor standards, including International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions and key human rights treaties. They discussed the labor file from an international perspective, noting its impact on Kuwait's global standing and relations with labor-sending countries, underscoring the need for consistent national coordination and unified official discourse. The meeting also reviewed cooperation with international organizations, notably the ILO, International Organization for Migration (IOM) and UN-Habitat, in supporting national efforts, capacity-building and policy development. Al-Osaimi said discussions covered legislative proposals, international observations and their application in Kuwait, as well as bilateral cooperation with labor-sending countries, including regulation of contracts and efforts to combat human trafficking. The meeting also addressed opening new channels for domestic worker recruitment to diversify options and improve service quality. Al-Osaimi stressed that international cooperation underpins bilateral relations, supports compliance with global standards and positively reflects on labor market regulation and worker protection. She affirmed continued efforts to develop labor policies and ensure a stable work environment safeguarding both workers and employers, reflecting Kuwait's commitment to international humanitarian standards. She underscored the importance of sustained coordination with the Foreign Ministry and expanded cooperation with international partners to advance the labor market system and ensure smooth implementation of bilateral agreements. The meeting marked the first of its kind bringing together Foreign Ministry sectors of human rights and legal affairs with the Manpower Authority, reflecting commitment to strengthened institutional coordination on labor rights.