Kuwait approves return of stranded expat farm workers

A Kuwaiti government committee, in charge of tackling COVID-19, has given the green light to the return of thousands of expat farm workers, who have been stranded abroad due to the virus-related restrictions, according to Al Jarida newspaper reports.

Head of the Kuwaiti Farmers’ Union Abdullah Al Dammak said, “This decision supports the agricultural sector and Kuwaiti farmers by helping curb the current shortage in manpower.”

He said that farm owners have in recent months suffered from a shortage of labour that has doubled their wages, a situation promoting several Kuwaitis to stop farming.

The return of around 200,000 foreign workers will boost output and end a labour black market.

“Several labourers already working on farms have become immunised after they received the vaccination doses. Those stranded abroad can be quarantined on farms after their return is allowed,” Al Dammak said.

Last month, Kuwait said that vaccinated expatriates can enter the country starting August 1, ending a months-long ban on their entry.