Kuwait minister warns employers over unpaid wages as expatriate workers face rising costs

Kuwait's Interior Minister, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, is urging employers across the nation to ensure timely payment of wages to all workers, regardless of their nationality. In a recent meeting with business representatives, Sheikh Fahad emphasized that unpaid wages could lead to employee protests, tarnishing Kuwait's international reputation.

The minister criticized businesses for prioritizing the salaries of Kuwaiti employees while neglecting the timely payment of wages to expatriate workers, insisting that fair treatment should apply universally.

During the meeting, Sheikh Fahad confronted a prominent business figure over the practice of paying Kuwaiti employees promptly but delaying payments to expatriates. He questioned why compassion should only be extended to Kuwaiti citizens, asserting that employers have a responsibility to treat every employee fairly and would ultimately be held accountable to God for fulfilling their obligations.

Sheikh Fahad highlighted that enforcing labour laws and regulations is crucial to ensure that workers receive their salaries without delay.

The minister noted that unpaid wages have been a significant cause of labour protests in Kuwait. He personally contacted employers to verify whether wages were being paid to workers, rather than relying solely on reports from government authorities. Sheikh Fahad also warned that practices such as human trafficking, money laundering, and unpaid wages could damage Kuwait's standing internationally, and called on employers and authorities to take action to address these issues.

Turning to the financial pressures facing expatriate workers, Sheikh Fahad discussed the rising cost of living in Kuwait, including increased food prices and stagnant salary growth compared to the cost of living. He questioned how workers were supposed to survive under these circumstances, expressing concern about the lack of compassion from employers.

The minister stressed that compassion should extend to workers of all nationalities who contribute to Kuwait's economy and called on employers to pay salaries promptly and resolve wage disputes before they escalate into public protests.

Sheikh Fahad urged employers to pay salaries on time and emphasized the importance of timely wage payments, fair treatment, and compliance with labour regulations. He warned against allowing frustrated workers to publicly denounce employers and reiterated the need for prompt and fair wage payments. Additionally, Kuwait has implemented strict hiring rules for expatriates and tightened labour market regulations, requiring expats to comply with salary rules or face deportation of their families.