Embassy Clarifies: 2017 Moratorium, Not New Kuwaiti Ban

Embassy Clarifies: 2017 Moratorium, Not New Kuwaiti Ban

The Sierra Leonean diplomatic mission in Kuwait has formally refuted social media reports suggesting that Kuwaiti authorities have implemented a ban on the recruitment of domestic staff from Sierra Leone and numerous other nations.

In an official communication released on June 15, 2026, the Embassy characterized the viral claims as inaccurate, stating that they fail to represent the current bilateral labor migration protocols established between the two countries.

The Embassy noted that it had become aware of online articles alleging that Sierra Leone was among 27 countries restricted under revised Kuwaiti labor regulations. However, officials clarified that the current suspension of recruitment was actually initiated by the Sierra Leonean government itself nearly a decade ago.

According to the statement, Sierra Leone requested a moratorium on the issuance of domestic worker visas in 2017. This decision was driven by serious concerns regarding the welfare of its citizens, following reports of exploitation, human trafficking, and substandard working environments abroad.

Diplomatic officials emphasized that this measure, which has been in place since July 2017, was a collaborative effort between both governments to ensure better protections for workers. Consequently, no formal recruitment processes for domestic roles have been authorized under the previous regulations since that time.

Looking forward, the Embassy highlighted that new labor agreements have been successfully negotiated. 

These upcoming frameworks, covering both general and domestic employment visas, are intended to modernize cooperation and enhance the legal safeguards for Sierra Leonean nationals working in Kuwait.

The mission concluded its report by advising the general public to ignore unverified social media content. 

It reiterated its dedication to the safety of its citizens and urged stakeholders to consult official government channels for reliable information on migration policy.