On May 11, 2021, Kuwait and the Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the Recruitment and Employment of Domestic Workers. The agreement aims to promote ethical recruitment and protect the rights of domestic workers from the Philippines who are employed in Kuwait.
Under the MOU, both the Kuwaiti and Philippine governments have agreed to establish a joint committee to oversee the implementation of the agreement. The committee will be responsible for ensuring that recruitment agencies and employers comply with the terms and conditions of the MOU.
Some of the key provisions of the agreement include the following:
1. Recruitment agencies in the Philippines must obtain a license from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and must comply with the rules and regulations of the agency.
2. Kuwaiti employers must provide a decent living space, food, and medical care for their domestic workers. Employers are also required to pay their domestic workers a salary in accordance with Kuwaiti labor laws.
3. Both parties agree to provide their domestic workers with a day off per week and an annual vacation with pay.
4. Domestic workers will have the right to retain their passports and other identity documents while in Kuwait. Employers are also prohibited from confiscating their workers’ passports.
The agreement is a step forward in protecting the rights of domestic workers who are often vulnerable to exploitation and abuse in the Middle East. The Philippines is one of the major sources of domestic workers in Kuwait, and this agreement sets a precedent for other countries to follow in the region.
While the agreement is a positive development, it is important to note that the implementation of such agreements can be challenging. It is crucial for both parties to ensure effective enforcement mechanisms and robust monitoring to ensure compliance with the terms of the MOU.
In conclusion, the agreement between Kuwait and the Philippines on the Recruitment and Employment of Domestic Workers is an important step in promoting ethical recruitment and protecting the rights of domestic workers. With proper implementation and monitoring, this agreement has the potential to improve the working conditions and lives of thousands of domestic workers in Kuwait.
