KUWAIT CITY, Oct 14: The Human Rights Watch has accused Kuwait of continuing discriminatory practices against women and migrant workers, citing male guardianship over women and the abusive sponsorship system for workers, which often leads to serious violations such as wage ‘theft’, reports Al-Seyassah daily.

In a memorandum submitted to the Universal Periodic Review of Kuwait during the 49th session of the United Nations, the organization acknowledged Kuwait’s progress, including the introduction of a law protecting against domestic violence. However, it stated that these reforms are insufficient, particularly since Kuwait has not taken steps to protect the rights of the Bedoun (stateless) people. The organization criticized the sponsorship system (kafala), which ties the legal status of their workers to their employers, making it difficult for workers to seek redress and leaving them vulnerable to abuses, including wage theft and debts from illegal recruitment fees.

It also pointed out that migrant domestic workers remain excluded from Kuwait’s labor law, and the protections provided under the 2015 Domestic Workers Law are weaker and poorly enforced compared to the general labor law. Human Rights Watch recommended full implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, including amending laws to allow Kuwaiti women to pass their nationality to their children and spouses. Moreover, it called for a transparent process to address citizenship claims for the Bedoun or to establish a clear path to citizenship. The organization also urged the abolition of the sponsorship system and the adoption of risk-based heat protection measures, such as the Wet Bulb Temperature Index, to create evidence-based work and rest schedules. Lastly, it called for strengthening the domestic worker's law to align with international standards and for Kuwait to ratify International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.