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Kuwait committed to labor rights

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KUWAIT: Kuwait reaffirmed its commitment to protecting labor rights and improving workers’ welfare during a conference organized by the ministry of foreign affairs on Thursday to mark International Workers’ Day. Held under the patronage of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, the event brought together several government ministries and national institutions to highlight Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to support labor issues and promote fair and safe work environments.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah represented the minister and toured an accompanying exhibition showcasing the roles of workers in Kuwait’s development and the legal protections ensuring their safety and well-being.

Speaking at a roundtable titled “Adequate Housing and Workers’ Welfare in Kuwait… International Standards and Sustainable National Solutions”, Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah said Kuwait aims to align with international labor standards under its New Kuwait 2035 vision. She noted that contract workers make up 75 percent of Kuwait’s labor force, representing over 174 nationalities, reflecting the country’s expansive development projects.

She highlighted several initiatives, including the allocation of six labor cities by the Public Authority for Housing Welfare and the ministry of finance, the opening of a migrant worker shelter for men in February by the Public Authority of Manpower, and a nationwide awareness campaign launched in March on health and safety standards for labor accommodations.

Kuwait is also enhancing its legislative framework by updating laws on human trafficking, domestic labor, residency and private sector employment to promote transparency and sustainable development. She praised cooperation with UN agencies such as UN-Habitat, the International Labor Organization and the International Organization for Migration, and acknowledged the private sector’s role, citing participation from companies like Alshaya Group, Kuwait National Petroleum Company, Bait Al Mawared, and the Kuwaiti Danish Dairy Company.

She stressed the importance of civil society involvement and highlighted the national strategy against trafficking and smuggling for 2025–2028, announced during the 6th Regional Anti-Trafficking Forum. She also noted that labor rights will be a core topic at the upcoming second World Social Summit in Doha in November.

Separately, the National Diwan for Human Rights (NDHR) marked Labour Day by voicing its support for all efforts aimed at ensuring safe, just and exploitation-free work environments. In a statement to KUNA, the diwan emphasized its dedication to preserving workers’ dignity and basic rights.

The diwan contributed to a recent awareness campaign on occupational safety targeting delivery motorbike drivers, reaching around 39,000 workers through materials in seven languages, in cooperation with delivery companies. It also partnered with the ministry of health to vaccinate 3,224 drivers against seasonal flu as part of efforts to reduce respiratory illnesses linked to work conditions. The diwan reiterated its commitment to raising labor rights awareness and improving conditions in this vital sector. – KUNA

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Exit permit now mandatory for expat workers

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KUWAIT: A decision mandating expatriates working in the private sector to obtain an exit permit with the prior approval of their employers comes into effect on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Employees need to apply through the Sahel app or the Public Authority of Manpower’s website. The employer must then approve the request online before the authority issues the permit. The decision applies to private sector employees who have residency under article 18. Those who have article 19 residency – self-sponsored – are not required to obtain the exit permit.

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410 students benefit from Educational Care Bank project

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KUWAIT: Al-Safa Charitable Society announced that 410 students across various educational stages have benefited from the Educational Care Bank project for the 2024-2025 academic year. The initiative, implemented in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Endowments, provided a total of KD 100,000 (approximately $330,000) in educational support within Kuwait. Chairman of Al-Safa’s Board of Directors Mohammad Al-Shaya said in a press statement on Monday that the project reflects a shared commitment to supporting future generations by creating an educational environment free from financial obstacles. He emphasized that the initiative also aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by low-income families amid ongoing economic challenges.

Al-Shaya praised the General Secretariat of Endowments for its continued sponsorship of impactful and innovative projects that serve the community, particularly those focused on education. He noted that the Secretariat’s support for this program underscores its strong belief in education as a cornerstone for societal advancement and sustainable development. He added that Al-Safa Charitable Society, through this partnership, seeks to nurture a knowledgeable and responsible generation capable of contributing meaningfully to national development. The project, he explained, targets students who face difficulty in paying tuition fees, reaffirming the association’s belief in the right to education for all—without discrimination or financial barriers. — KUNA

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97,000 reverts and counting: IPC’s role in spreading Islam

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KUWAIT: Although it has been three months since the end of Ramadan, Islamic da’wah in Kuwait is far from limited to the holy month. Through organizations like the Islam Presentation Committee (IPC) — one of the country’s largest and oldest da’wah institutions — outreach efforts continue year-round. Since its founding in 1987, IPC has helped more than 97,000 people embrace Islam, including 2,702 in the past year alone. With over 3.4 million expatriates living in Kuwait — many from diverse religious backgrounds — the country often becomes more than just a place of work.

For many, it becomes the first space where they encounter Islam in a meaningful way. IPC’s efforts extend beyond traditional settings like mosques and religious centers. Thanks to the organization’s efforts, this Ramadan Kuwait did experience a significant increase in conversions to Islam, marking the highest number of conversions in the past seven years. Approximately 730 individuals from various nationalities embraced Islam by the 29th day of Ramadan.

This achievement is attributed to the efforts of 78 male and female preachers and the success of the “Change Their Lives” campaign, which included lectures and the distribution of preaching materials across the country. Much of IPC’s outreach focuses on laborers and domestic workers, meeting them in everyday environments such as markets, salons, workplaces, hospitals, farms, labor inspection offices, and even deportation centers.

Following initial outreach, new reverts begin a structured learning journey starting with a “Basic Islam” course that covers essential beliefs and practices. As they progress, students can enroll in advanced courses on Quranic interpretation, Tajweed, Islamic jurisprudence, Prophetic biography, and Islamic history — all offered free of charge.

Available in 14 languages

Arabic language classes are also available for non-native speakers, including non-Muslims who wish to understand Islamic texts or culture. IPC also supports lifelong Muslims, recognizing that many — especially those from non-Arabic-speaking countries — may never have had the chance to study Islam formally. “We don’t just teach the students — we create a community for them,” said Haya Alawadhi, head of IPC’s Salmiya branch. “A good circle of friends, emotional support from teachers and staff, and even financial assistance when needed.”

Many new Muslims face personal challenges — including separation from family and friends. IPC responds by fostering a family-like environment where instructors and fellow students offer compassion, inclusion and support. After carefully assessing individual needs, IPC also provides financial aid and job placement assistance to ease the transition. With lectures and materials available in 14 languages, the organization ensures accessibility for newcomers of all backgrounds. In 2024 alone, the committee recorded 8,455 students from 39 nationalities enrolled in its programs.

“We don’t call each other by titles”

“We don’t call each other by titles,” Alawadhi added. “We say ‘sister’ and ‘brother.’ You might find an American sitting next to an Asian or a European, and everyone is treated the same. If someone walks in with bias, it fades once they become part of this place.” To further its reach, IPC has expanded into digital outreach, offering social media campaigns, interactive online lectures, and Islamic content to engage younger audiences and remote learners.

IPC’s da’wah efforts are not limited to blue-collar communities. The organization also engages diplomats, professionals, and high-profile guests, presenting them with traditional Kuwaiti gift boxes that include a translated Quran, a tourism brochure, and Islamic educational materials. In 2024 alone, IPC organized around 881 training courses. Alawadhi also shared that IPC trains new Muslims to become future Islamic educators and preachers. “Some of our most active preachers today were once IPC students who converted to Islam,” she added. IPC runs around 14 branches and centers that are spread across Kuwait’s governorates.

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