Kuwait resumes recruitment of domestic helpers from Sri Lanka

17 January 2021 06:57 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Kuwaiti government has allowed entry of newly-recruited domestic helpers from labor-exporting countries such as Sri Lanka, the Philippines, India and elsewhere starting from today, the Kuwait Times reported.

India is not discouraging its nationals to work as domestic helpers in Kuwait, but fewer are taking up such jobs, although if they apply to work as housemaids, they can easily get hired.

Sri Lanka continues to send domestic helpers to Kuwait, but they only represent around 11 percent of the total domestic helper population.

Kuwait had allowed the return of domestic helpers with valid visas but stuck abroad starting Dec 7, 2020.

On Thursday, aviation authorities announced launching an online platform named ‘BelSalamah’ to facilitate the return of domestic workers from so-called ‘high-risk’ countries, in line with specific procedures and mechanisms that take into account the required health measures. The platform aims to decrease the cost of return that the sponsor will pay, in addition to relocating the 14-day quarantine to be in Kuwait instead of a transit country.

The program’s return costs KD 270 ($980) for every worker registered under Article 20 of the residency law, which applies to domestic helpers. The cost includes a 14-day quarantine, according to health requirements, meals, security and three PCR tests. The tickets are not included in the return program, as they are different depending on destination.

Domestic workers must hold a document from a laboratory accredited by their countries showing they tested negative before boarding their flights to Kuwait. When arriving in Kuwait, the passengers will be subjected to another PCR test, and if the tests’ results are negative, the workers will be transferred directly to the designated places for a 14-day quarantine in line with the health requirements.

By the end of the 14-day quarantine, the workers will undergo a third PCR test, and can go to their sponsors’ homes if the results are negative. As for those who have positive results, the Ministry of Health (MoH) will be responsible for transferring them to other quarantine facilities.

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Comments - 14

RoaringCreek Sunday, 17 January 2021 09:18 AM

A dark moment for me. We are sending our poor ladies to slavery again. Over a year has passed when a lot was promised and all we have in thin are and murder threats.

Lauren Sunday, 17 January 2021 09:23 AM

It is a disgrace to send poor women from Sri Lanka to work as SERVANTS. Give them employment in our country and round up the recruiting agents in Colombo who are making money out of this misery.

Rohan Sunday, 17 January 2021 09:27 AM

In 1947 when Sri Lanka was riding high , Kuwait was a poor fishing country that had no proper buildings.

Selvakumar Sunday, 17 January 2021 09:51 AM

Compare to sri Lanka rich country !!!

Lakminiha Sunday, 17 January 2021 10:08 AM

This is exactly the reason why our country is going backwards. Why keep boasting about the past? Its time to forget the past and think of what we can do to develop our motherland.

EXPORT - IMPORT- Sunday, 17 January 2021 11:51 AM

" labor-exporting countries" - a shame to be branded as such - exporting our females - wonder what or girls "import" to themselves over there !

Historian Sunday, 17 January 2021 12:05 PM

Rohan, you are absolutely right to recall the past. We can never understand the present and plan for the future without understanding our past. Those who are against the Past being mentioned never belonged to the family root that enjoyed the past.

A.Junaid Sunday, 17 January 2021 04:19 PM

Cremating innocent Muslims suspect of having Covid-19, and now sending Sinhala women for domestic chores in a Muslim country Well done SLPP Govt.

Sathish Seevaratnam Sunday, 17 January 2021 05:35 PM

Please let us stop this madness atleast now. We need to export more skilled labour. Nor domestic helpers.

Channa Sunday, 17 January 2021 05:51 PM

Please don’t send women to Middle East countries, they will be sex slaves over there , We had enough experiences. I have seen many women who were asked to have depo contraception injections before they leave . What is the purpose. Please please don’t send your wife, sister or mother to middle eastern countries as house mades , there is a high chance of being exploited by uncivilised sexual predators over there . A country with a dignity wont send their women to Middle East as house mades.

sss Sunday, 17 January 2021 05:59 PM

Politicians and educated free of charge professionals who contribute nothing to the economy are cheering because they can use the dollars they send for dutyfree imports

Martin Milton Sunday, 17 January 2021 06:49 PM

It is definitely a disgrace. Have these poor Sri Lankans not suffered enough at the hands of these Arab employees? Is someone getting 'hand outs' for this? It is the beginning of another disaster. Shame!. MM

Macky Wahab Sunday, 17 January 2021 07:00 PM

A company name Unique recruitment under license number 2204 is doing this racket in a large scale sending miserable women to Kuwait to extort money into their pockets. Can no one look into this and cancel these goons license.

idiot boy Monday, 18 January 2021 04:21 PM

Ceylon was Rich , Sri Lanka is poor.

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Kuwait resumes recruitment of domestic helpers from Sri Lanka

Comments - 14

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