PAM request to raise domestic workers fees of hiring rejected

KUWAIT CITY, April 21: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has reportedly turned down the request from the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) to raise the cost of recruiting domestic workers from 890 to 980 dinars (by more than 10%) to help the recruitment agencies to cope up with the high costs of recruitment, especially with regard to ticket prices, reports Al-Qabas daily.

The ministry in its response has stressed that the cost of recruitment through offices and the recruitment company, should not exceed 890 dinars, including the cost of travel ticket and examination of the worker in his/her home country.

In a letter, a copy of which has been obtained by the daily, the ministry stressed that in the event of a violation of the decision, the ministry will, unfortunately, will have no choice but to apply the law and prevent them from doing business, noting that a working group has been formed to receive complaints related to the ministerial decision.

Moreover, sources revealed that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will launch campaigns against the domestic workers recruiting offices, specifically offices that do not comply with the ministerial decision of charging no more than 890 dinars, including travel costs and medical examinations.