A BWI delegation went to Kuwait to discuss with BWI affiliate, the Syndicate Ministry of Public Works and ITUC affiliate the Kuwait Trade Union Federation to discuss their role in promoting the rights of migrant workers. The leadership of both unions outlined their work and activities in relation to migrant workers in Kuwait, who comprise a 2 million out of the estimated 3 to 3.5 million people in Kuwait. Although migrants work in all areas of the labour market in Kuwait, the majority of migrant workers are in the construction, service, and domestic sectors.

In addition to meetings with trade unions, the BWI mission included a meeting with the Minister of Public Works. According to Crecentia Mofokeng, Regional Representative of BWI Africa, “During our meeting with the Minister we discussed a series of issues including migrant workers rights, child labour, privatization of the state services and industries, and the relationship between trade unions and politics. Unfortunately we were not able to get a full grasp of the Kuwaiti government’s policy on safeguarding the rights of migrant workers as well as the impact of the government’s proposal of privatization on workers. It is our hope that Minister will continue to engage our affiliate in these two important areas.”

Privatization has become a major issue for trade unions including BWI’s affiliate in Kuwait. Trade unions fear that many jobs for Kuwaitis particularly in the oil and petrochemical industries will disappear. They have urged the government to move slowly and engage in further studies to minimize the impact of privatization on Kuwaiti workers.

The BWI mission also visited the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Hospital, a project estimated at KD 303 million ($USD 1.06 billion). The four-year project, which is funded by public funds under the guise of the Ministry of Public Works and Ministry of Health, will be completed by 2013. With an estimated work force of 6,000, the project can be a potential organizing target for the Syndicate Ministry of Public Works.

BWI agreed to enable active participation of the Syndicate Ministry of Public Works in BWI trainings, workshops, seminars, campaigns, and other activities.

The mission was held in May 2010.