The Federal Government has clarified that there is no new ban by the Government of Kuwait on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers, dismissing recent media reports suggesting otherwise. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the suspension concerning Kuwait domestic workers originated from Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Kuwait several years ago and remains in place pending the resolution of concerns over workers’ welfare.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa. The statement, referenced MFA/PR/2026/183 and titled “Ministry of Foreign Affairs Clarify Reports On The Alleged Ban On Nigerian Domestic Workers In The State Of Kuwait,” said reports claiming Kuwait had recently imposed a recruitment ban did not accurately reflect the current situation.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of recent media reports suggesting that the Government of Kuwait has imposed a ban on the recruitment of Nigerian domestic workers.
“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/housemaids from Nigeria to the State of Kuwait pending the resolution of concerns relating to the welfare, protection, and working conditions of Nigerian domestic workers in the country.”
According to the ministry, the suspension was introduced by the Embassy of Nigeria in Kuwait City as a protective measure to safeguard Nigerian citizens seeking employment in the Gulf nation. It stressed that the arrangement should not be interpreted as a fresh restriction imposed by the Kuwaiti government.
“Therefore, the issue is not of a fresh ban imposed by the Kuwaiti authorities on Nigerian domestic workers, but rather a continuation of measures earlier adopted by the Embassy to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of its citizens seeking employment abroad,” the statement added.
The ministry also disclosed that Nigeria and Kuwait remain engaged through diplomatic channels to address labour and migration issues. It said discussions between relevant authorities are aimed at developing a framework that promotes transparent recruitment processes, legal protection and improved working conditions for Nigerian workers.
“The Ministry further notes that both Nigeria and Kuwait will continue to engage constructively through diplomatic channels on labour and migration-related matters. Competent authorities from both sides will continue to engage with a view to establishing a mutually beneficial framework that guarantees fair recruitment practices, adequate legal protection, and decent working conditions for Nigerian workers.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged members of the public and media organisations to verify information through official channels before publication. It warned that inaccurate reports on Kuwait domestic workers could create unnecessary anxiety among Nigerians living in Kuwait and their families, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare and rights of citizens working abroad.
