The Ministry of Interior of Kuwait has issued a revised circular introducing new regulations for the recruitment of domestic workers, updating the list of approved source countries while restricting hiring from several others under updated labour procedures.
According to the circular, recruitment of male and female domestic workers is now allowed from 10 countries, including South Africa, Benin, Senegal, Eritrea, Ethiopia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Vietnam, and Nepal. Authorities said that applications will be processed through governorate level service centres to simplify and streamline recruitment procedures.
At the same time, the directive includes 27 countries from which the recruitment of domestic workers is now prohibited. The decision follows recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Public Authority for Manpower, with certain restrictions applying specifically to female domestic workers in some cases.
Officials explained that the updated policy considers diplomatic and administrative factors, noting that some of the listed countries maintain representation in Kuwait while others do not. The circular has been circulated to residency affairs departments and relevant service centres and has come into immediate effect.
Kuwait introduces new rules for online money transfer
In a separate development, the Central Bank of Kuwait has introduced a new measure to improve security and support digital financial services recently.
Under the new decision, all exchange companies in Kuwait must use the “My Identity” app to verify customers during international online money transfers.
According to reports, exchange companies will be required to complete customer verification through the app and maintain proper records of the verification process.
Officials said the move is aimed at increasing transparency in the financial system and reducing fraud, especially in digital transactions.
The “My Identity” app is expected to help protect users from unauthorised transfers and prevent misuse of personal data in online money transfers.
The verification process will confirm that the person carrying out the transaction is the actual account holder. Authorities believe the step will strengthen trust among customers, financial institutions and regulators.
The “My Identity” app also removes the need to carry a physical Civil ID. It offers parts like digital signatures, electronic verification, a digital document wallet, and a digital version of the Civil ID as well.
