KUWAIT CITY, Feb 23: The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) officially opened its new shelter for male expatriate workers in Hawally on Sunday. Present at the opening ceremony were several ambassadors and diplomats who were briefed on the comprehensive services that the shelter offers -- health, housing and legal assistance among many other services. In his opening speech, acting Deputy Director General of the Manpower Protection Sector Dr. Fahad Al-Murad said the shelter adheres to international standards that Kuwait is committed to, and provides essential services to both domestic and private sector workers. He revealed the shelter can accommodate about 200 to 300 workers and it offers primary legal and health services, coordinates with relevant authorities, and ensures suitable living arrangements. He added the workers can access the shelter either voluntarily or through government agencies such as the ministries of Interior and Justice, diplomatic missions or civil society organizations.

Regarding procedures upon arrival, Al-Murad explained there will be coordination with the Ministry of Interior if the worker’s identity cannot be verified. “In such cases, the worker undergoes fingerprinting for identification. If there are criminal or absconding reports, we will coordinate with the ministry to ensure that appropriate measures are taken,” he elaborated. Asked about handling disputes between workers and sponsors following an absconding report, Al- Murad pointed out that if no final absconding report is filed, the worker is accommodated at the shelter until the dispute is resolved either amicably or through the judiciary. “The worker can choose whether to return to his home country or pursue the matter legally,” he added. He stated that the shelter accepts any male expatriate worker, even if he is in violation of the Residency and Labor laws, and coordinates with the Ministry of Interior regarding their return home. He confirmed that such workers will stay at the shelter until their legal procedures are completed, particularly in cases involving complaints. On the possibility of workers leaving the shelter, Al-Murad clarified “we are a civil authority, not a penal institution. If the worker wishes to leave, he may do so by following specific procedures. If legal matters are involved, the Ministry of Interior will handle them.”

He further explained that the shelter applies a national referral system for cases of human trafficking. “During interviews, if there is suspicion of human trafficking, the worker is referred to criminal investigations. If the case is confirmed, it will be processed judicially. If the worker’s situation is resolved, the dispute with the employer is addressed, and if necessary, arrangements are made for the worker’s return to their home country,” he added. He asserted that the opening of the shelter reflects Kuwait’s dedication to ensuring that no individual lacks basic care, even if they have made mistakes. “The State is committed to preserving human dignity and preventing exploitation, ensuring that all workers are treated with respect until their legal issues are resolved,” he stressed. When asked about the possibility of workers with children being accommodated at the shelter, he affirmed that the shelter accepts children of juvenile age by coordinating with the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Supreme Council for the Family in cases where employment conditions do not apply. He also mentioned that in the coming days, there is a plan to transfer female workers to the shelter in Hawally; while the male workers will remain in Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh. He expressed pride in the establishment of the shelter, which he described as a key element in Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to promote human rights, protect vulnerable groups, and combat exploitation. He said the shelter embodies Kuwait’s commitment to combat human trafficking and migrant smuggling; utilizing a comprehensive strategy focused on prevention, protection, legal prosecution and international cooperation.