Kuwait has issued a new Interior Ministry circular that limits the recruitment of domestic workers to just 10 approved countries while prohibiting recruitment from 27 others. The directive, reported by Kuwaiti media and confirmed across Gulf outlets, is already in effect and has been circulated to residency affairs departments and service centres across the country.
The decision was based on assessments and recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). Recruitment procedures will now be processed through governorate-level service centres.
The 10 approved countries (2026)
Under the new rules, families in Kuwait may recruit domestic workers from the following countries only:
| # | Country | Who can be recruited |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ethiopia | Men and women |
| 2 | Philippines | Men and women |
| 3 | India | Men and women |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | Men and women |
| 5 | Nepal | Men and women |
| 6 | Vietnam | Men and women |
| 7 | Eritrea | Men and women |
| 8 | South Africa | Men and women |
| 9 | Benin | Men and women |
| 10 | Senegal | Male workers only |
The banned countries
The circular lists 27 countries from which domestic worker recruitment is prohibited. As published by Kuwaiti media, the list includes:
Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Togo, Malawi, Chad, Djibouti, Niger, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Cabo Verde, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Angola, Madagascar and Bhutan.
Reports note that for some of these countries, the restriction applies only to female domestic workers, while recruitment of male workers remains allowed. Officials also said the policy takes diplomatic and administrative factors into account, since some listed countries have representation in Kuwait while others do not.
What this means for families in Kuwait
- Check nationality first. Before starting any recruitment file, confirm the worker comes from one of the 10 approved countries.
- Existing workers are not the target. The circular regulates new recruitment from abroad; it is not described as affecting workers already employed in Kuwait.
- Apply through official channels. Files are processed through governorate service centres, and Kuwait recently launched online domestic worker and driver visas through the Sahel app — see our full guide on the new Sahel visa service and sponsorship rules.
- Use licensed offices only and keep every payment documented.
What this means for workers
If you are from Ethiopia, the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Vietnam, Eritrea, South Africa, Benin or Senegal (men), the door to Kuwait remains open through legal recruitment channels. Workers from the banned list cannot start new recruitment files for Kuwait under this circular, though rules can change and some bans apply to women only.
Looking for a domestic worker job in the Gulf? You can apply free through GCC Domestic in 3 minutes.
Useful links
- Kuwait Sahel app: online visas and new sponsorship rules
- Best domestic worker agencies in Kuwait 2026
- 2026 GCC domestic worker salary report
- Kuwait recruitment guide
Sources: Kuwait Ministry of Interior circular as reported by Arab Times, Gulf News, Economic Times and Aaj English TV (9-10 June 2026). This article is general guidance, not legal advice; confirm current rules with the Public Authority for Manpower and official service centres.
