Once a favourite destination for labourers, including from India, the Middle Eastern country of Kuwait is witnessing a deepening shortage of domestic workers. The situation is such that an average of 55 workers are leaving the country per day.
The official data showed a decline of over 30,000 workers over the past 18 months, according to The Gulf News. While the total number of domestic workers was 811,307 in mid-2023, it fell to 780,930 by the end of December 2024.
The reason cited for the trend is challenges in recruitment and regional competition. While the restrictions imposed on foreign labourers in the country are also a reason, the shifting domestic trends also saw many opting for other Gulf countries.
Hamad Al Ali, an official at a domestic workers recruitment office, was quoted by the website that several Asian countries have scaled back labour exports to Kuwait, citing pre-arrival fees imposed on workers. Instances of labour dispute have also added to the issue. "The well-documented issue with Filipino domestic workers has also impacted the numbers," he said.
Kuwait had a tiff with the Philippines after the latter suspended the deployment of first-time workers to Kuwait following the murder of domestic worker Jullebee Ranara in January 2023. Kuwait had also suspended the issuance of new visas for Philippine nationals in May 2023.
The countries reached an agreement in June 2024 to lift their respective suspensions.
Some Kuwaiti families also decided not to rely on domestic help, following a string of high-profile incidents involving worker-related crimes.
There is also an increased demand in neighbouring countries which offer better jobs and working conditions. The country also has restrictions on nationalities have worsened the situation.
