TIP UPDATE: RECENT GOK ACTIONS TO PROTECT FOREIGN

UNCLAS KUWAIT 003219 SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARPI AND G/TIP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PGOV ELAB KCRM KU SUBJECT: TIP UPDATE: RECENT GOK ACTIONS TO PROTECT FOREIGN WORKERS Ref: A. Kuwait 3158 ¶B. Kuwait 2863 ¶C. Kuwait 2515 ¶1. The GOK continues to address foreign labor exploitation problems following the release of the 2005 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. An inter-ministerial committee, referred to as the "Four-Member Committee," established mid- June to oversee expatriate worker affairs (ref B) met July 19 to discuss ways to prevent labor exploitation. Press reports said the committee is expected to recommend next week setting a minimum wage of 50KD ($171) per month for expatriate workers. The GOK hopes this committee will demonstrate Kuwait's commitment to human rights, an English daily reported. The GOK is working with the Kuwait Union of Domestic Labor Offices (KUDLO),an association of labor recruitment agencies, on statutes to prevent labor exploitation. KUDLO also produced and distributed informational brochures on employee rights and obligations, provided basic training and orientation to domestic workers, and facilitated change in employment for some domestics. ¶2. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MOSAL) is in discussions with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to establish a regional migrant resource center in Kuwait (ref B). The center would provide information and support to foreign workers and facilitate their access to legal assistance. MOSAL Assistant Undersecretary, Adnan Al-Omar, who is leading the discussions for the GOK, welcomed cooperation with the IOM and reiterated the GOK's commitment to addressing problems of labor exploitation. The discussions are expected to conclude by August 3, according to press reports. ¶3. MOSAL also worked with the Pakistani Embassy to resolve the problem of 400 Pakistani workers who entered the country on forged visas. MOSAL issued temporary work permits to those without valid permits or passports, allowing them time to find new sponsors. The workers are required to find a sponsor within two months or face legal action and possible deportation, an English daily reported. ¶4. Stricter enforcement of a ban on working in direct sunlight between noon and 4pm began on June 5, although the law itself is not new. As part of the enforcement process, MOSAL has fielded 200 inspectors who work throughout the country. Employers found not to be in compliance with the ban could face fines ranging from 100KD ($342) per laborer for the first offense to 200KD ($684) for repeated violations. Since mid-June, Arab Times, an English language daily, devoted half a page to pictures of laborers working in violation of the ban. The newspaper claims the pictures are having an effect: only one violation was pictured June ¶20. The media in general, both Arabic and English, continue to report on the working conditions of Kuwait's expatriate workforce, promoting greater awareness of labor conditions. ********************************************* Visit Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ You can also access the site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website ********************************************* TUELLER