Health Screening for Filipino Domestic Workers in Kuwait
No domestic worker will enter Kuwait without undergoing thorough medical screening, asserts Al-Shammari.
Under the employment terms in Kuwait, Filipino domestic workers are mandated to submit to stringent medical tests. These screenings, carried out upon their arrival, are designed to ensure they're fit for work and pose no health risks to the local community. Although the specific diseases tested may vary, standard medical assessments often encompass examinations for HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, and even syphilis [1].
HIV Cases Among Filipino Youth
The Philippines has observed an escalating number of HIV/AIDS cases, particularly among its younger population. As of 2015, the situation was alarming, with 3,509 HIV cases reported among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by April of that year, and a median age of 33 for those infected [5]. However, recent data on the exact HIV rates among young Filipinos is sparse in the search results provided. The Philippine government has been responding with education and awareness campaigns to tackle the issue.
Health Concerns and Challenges for Filipino Domestic Workers
Domestic workers from the Philippines in countries such as Kuwait face numerous obstacles, including health-related issues. The kafala system, prevalent in many countries, often leads to limited access to healthcare for workers, and other troubles like debt bondage, forced labor, and irregular residency status [4]. Such systemic struggles can worsen health risks and make it challenging for workers to secure medical care when needed.
With reports suggesting a fivefold rise in HIV cases among young Filipinos, Bassam Al-Shammari, an expert on domestic worker issues, has reassured Kuwaiti and resident citizens that all arriving Filipino domestic workers undergo thorough and comprehensive medical screenings aimed at detecting immune-related and communicable diseases [2]. Al-Shammari mentioned that over 90% of Filipino domestic workers entering Kuwait are females, and the surge in infections is primarily among Philippine youth [3]. He highly commended the vigilance and professionalism of the Kuwaiti health authorities, stating that they will not tolerate the entrance of any worker carrying infectious diseases.
In the near future, recruitment is expected to resume from Ethiopia following the enforcement of Decree No. 174 of 2024, which approves a Memorandum of Understanding between Kuwait and Ethiopia regarding domestic labor recruitment [2]. The local recruitment offices have expressed readiness to initiate the process as soon as the Ministry of Interior allows for the issuance of visas.
Al-Shammari anticipates that there will be strong demand for Ethiopian domestic workers from both Kuwaiti and expatriate families, owing to a variety of factors such as competitive recruitment costs, not exceeding 750 dinars [2]. Due to this, Kuwait currently relies on only two countries for its domestic workforce and is facing a significant shortage, especially since restrictions have limited the recruitment of Filipino workers mainly to seasoned individuals [2]. This policy has purged approximately 60% of the potential workforce supply.
Al-Shammari believes that the recruitment of Ethiopian workers will be a propitious and strategic move to address the ongoing shortage, as they represent an optimal alternative [2]. In 2013, the number of Ethiopian domestic workers in Kuwait peaked at approximately 76,000 [2]. Al-Shammari urges government agencies to rectify any past oversights in the protection of domestic workers' rights and fully enforce labor laws to ensure the long-term sustainability of recruitment efforts and maintain Kuwait's reputation as a fair and regulated labor market.
- Given the rising number of HIV cases among Filipino youth, it's essential for policy-and-legislation in the Philippines to address mental-health and health-and-wellness issues pertaining to the young population.
- In line with workplace-wellness initiatives, the Kuwaiti government could consider implementing comprehensive mental-health screenings for Filipino domestic workers, in addition to the current health screenings, to ensure their overall well-being and minimise health risks.
- As the recruitment of Ethiopian domestic workers is set to resume in Kuwait, general-news outlets could provide in-depth coverage on the mental-health and wellness of these workers, in light of their potential impact on the local community and the need for policy-and-legislation addressing their concerns.
