The Benin Embassy in Kuwait announced on October 19, 2026, that it is suspending the sending of Beninese workers to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. According to the embassy's statement, the suspension includes all activities that facilitate the recruitment of Beninese workers, including the issuance of police clearance certificates. The decision is part of ongoing reforms in Benin aimed at better regulating the placement of labor abroad.
The reforms seek to improve the protection and welfare of Beninese workers abroad. The embassy urged its citizens to strictly comply with the measure, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the new regulations. The suspension does not provide a specific date for its lifting, leaving many workers uncertain about their future plans.
The decision comes amid concerns about the working conditions of migrant workers in these countries. The 2024 US State Department report on Kuwait documented cases of passport confiscation, unpaid wages, long working hours, travel restrictions, and physical or sexual violence against migrant workers.
Similarly, Human Rights Watch has reported cases of domestic workers in the UAE being deprived of their passports, confined to their employers' homes, underpaid, and forced to work without rest days. However, the Benin Embassy in Kuwait did not cite these specific issues as reasons for the suspension, instead emphasizing the need for better regulation of labor export.
The suspension affects not only workers but also recruitment agencies and other entities involved in facilitating labor export. The embassy's statement serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges associated with labor migration, highlighting the need for effective regulation and protection of workers' rights.
As the situation unfolds, Beninese workers and recruitment agencies are advised to stay informed about any updates or changes to the suspension. The embassy's decision reflects the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of its citizens abroad, and it is likely that further measures will be implemented to support this goal.
The international community will be watching closely to see how Benin implements its labor export regulations and whether other countries follow suit in taking steps to protect their citizens working abroad. For now, the focus remains on the welfare of Beninese workers and the efforts to create a safer and more regulated labor export system.
Key points
- Benin has suspended sending workers to Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain as part of reforms to regulate labor export.
- The suspension includes all activities facilitating recruitment, such as issuance of police clearance certificates.
- The decision aims to improve protection and welfare of Beninese workers abroad.
