17 January 2021 06:57 am
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.