Kuwait is facing an escalating domestic worker crisis as over 30,000 workers have left the country in the past 18 months, leaving households scrambling for help and recruitment agencies struggling to meet rising demand. Families who once relied on domestic help for childcare, elderly care, and household maintenance are now feeling the strain as the workforce dwindles, creating a ripple effect across the country’s labor market.
This exodus of workers has led to an alarming shortage, with an average of 55 workers leaving Kuwait daily. The decline has been attributed to a combination of recruitment challenges, tightening foreign labor policies, and intensifying competition from neighboring Gulf countries that offer better wages and improved working conditions. Many workers are now seeking alternative employment opportunities elsewhere, leaving Kuwaiti households desperate for skilled domestic assistance.
According to data from the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI), the total number of domestic workers in Kuwait fell to 780,930 by the end of December 2024, down from 811,307 in mid-2023. The downward trend has sent shockwaves across the labor sector, forcing authorities and recruitment agencies to rethink strategies for attracting and retaining workers. The situation is expected to worsen as the contracts of over 105,000 domestic workers are set to expire in 2025, with many showing no interest in renewing their agreements.
Why Are Domestic Workers Leaving Kuwait?
The dwindling workforce can be traced to several key factors. Restrictions on labor exports from major supplier countries, particularly in Asia, have significantly reduced the inflow of workers. Many of these nations have imposed stricter regulations on their citizens seeking overseas employment, limiting Kuwait’s access to skilled domestic labor.
Another major challenge is the high cost of entry imposed on foreign workers. Kuwait’s pre-arrival fees and recruitment costs have become a significant deterrent, discouraging many from choosing Kuwait as a destination for work. According to Hamad Al Ali, an official at a domestic worker recruitment office, these additional financial burdens have made Kuwait a less attractive option compared to other Gulf nations that offer lower fees and better incentives.
Furthermore, shifting social attitudes in Kuwait have played a role in the decline. Reports indicate that some households have chosen to reduce their reliance on domestic workers following high-profile incidents involving crimes committed by domestic staff. These cases have fueled concerns about security and trust, leading to increased scrutiny and stricter hiring practices by families.
Competition From Neighboring Gulf Countries Intensifies the Crisis
The competition for domestic workers in the Gulf region has become fiercer, with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar offering better salaries, improved benefits, and more worker-friendly policies. The promise of higher wages and better working conditions has made these nations more appealing to job seekers, further exacerbating the shortage in Kuwait.
For many domestic workers, the decision to leave Kuwait is not just about financial incentives but also about working conditions and legal protections. In recent years, reports of labor rights violations and exploitation have sparked debates about the treatment of foreign workers in Kuwait. Some workers have opted to seek employment in countries where they feel their rights will be better protected.
Recruitment Agencies and Households Struggle to Fill the Growing Gap
With around 450 licensed domestic worker recruitment offices in Kuwait, agencies are finding it increasingly difficult to meet demand. Many recruitment firms are struggling with restrictions imposed on certain nationalities, making it harder to import workers from traditional labor markets.
Kuwaiti households that heavily rely on domestic help are now facing long waiting times and higher recruitment costs. Some families are being forced to turn to alternative solutions, such as hiring part-time workers or taking on household responsibilities themselves. However, for many, particularly those with young children, elderly family members, or demanding work schedules, the lack of domestic support is proving to be a major challenge.
What Lies Ahead for Kuwait’s Domestic Worker Market?
Experts warn that unless Kuwait reforms its recruitment policies and strengthens international agreements with labor-exporting nations, the shortage of domestic workers will persist. The country must find a way to balance the need for foreign workers with the demands of labor-sending countries that seek better protection and compensation for their citizens.
Additionally, Kuwait may need to reevaluate its employment regulations to make itself more competitive in the regional labor market. Introducing fairer wage structures, reducing recruitment costs, and enhancing legal protections for domestic workers could help attract and retain talent in the country.
As the crisis continues, Kuwaiti families, recruitment agencies, and policymakers must work together to develop long-term solutions that ensure both employers and workers are supported in an evolving labor landscape.
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