An open meeting between His Excellency Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Kuwait, and representatives of companies before the Public Authority for Manpower highlighted several important issues concerning the rights of foreign workers and abusive practices by certain employers in Kuwait’s labor market.
Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef spoke frankly about delayed wage payments, worker exploitation, and the manipulation of salary records, as well as the potential financial risks associated with some of these practices. These are issues we have previously addressed in our writings because of their serious human and economic consequences.
According to data published by the Public Authority for Manpower, as of June 2026, the files of 8,849 companies had been suspended for failing to meet wage payment requirements, out of 48,408 files involving companies employing five or more workers. The wage compliance rate subsequently reached 75.6% in July 2026, compared with 38.7% in the same month of 2025.
These figures highlight the importance of continued oversight and strict enforcement of the law to ensure that workers receive their wages on time and are not subjected to exploitation or deprived of their earnings for extended periods.
The meeting also highlighted the risks associated with manipulating payroll records and using inaccurate salary information in suspicious financial transactions. Media reports have cited examples of significant discrepancies between declared salaries and the amounts actually received by workers, as well as financial transactions requiring further examination and investigation by the competent authorities.
Combating these practices does more than protect workers’ rights. It also helps safeguard Kuwait’s reputation as a country committed to justice, humanitarian values, and the rule of law.
Another important point raised by Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef was the need to expand employment opportunities for young Kuwaitis and provide them with training suited to labor market needs. He also emphasized that when a company no longer wishes to retain a foreign worker, it must pay all outstanding entitlements and allow the worker to return home with dignity.
Foreign workers leave their families and homelands in search of a livelihood and a better future. It is unacceptable for them to work without receiving their wages or to suffer the consequences of violations committed by certain employers.
Addressing irregular labor and the illegal trade in residency permits also requires tackling the underlying causes, holding violators accountable, and protecting workers from exploitation rather than merely dealing with the consequences after the situation has deteriorated.
In this context, wage protection systems and electronic transfers are important tools for strengthening transparency and monitoring companies’ compliance with their salary payment obligations. However, their effectiveness depends on consistent implementation, the prompt handling of complaints, and appropriate penalties for proven violations.
We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef for his commitment to this important issue and his clear position against abuses. We also thank the Director General of the Public Authority for Manpower and its officials for their efforts to protect workers’ rights and enforce the law.
We further commend companies that fulfill their obligations with integrity, pay their employees on time, and respect their rights. Such companies deserve recognition and support.
Protecting workers, combating wage manipulation, and preventing money laundering are shared responsibilities that require continuous oversight and equal enforcement of the law without exception.
Justice cannot be fully achieved unless everyone receives the rights they are entitled to, and human dignity must always remain a priority.
May God guide and assist us.
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