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The UAE introduces voluntary pensions to replace end-of-service indemnities, joining an increasing trend of reforms across the GCC countries
Bahrain takes leap forward in enhancing end-of-service rights for migrant workers
A new provident fund for end-of-service indemnity for migrant workers is established in the Social Insurance Organization as part of GCC-wide reforms to reform social protection systems in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ILO Launches Flagship Study on Extending Social Protection to Migrant Workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries
ILO FAIRWAY Programme and en.v tackle complex attitudes of employers of domestic workers through experimental project
From February to June 2023, FAIRWAY piloted the creation of the Women’s Circle project in Kuwait – an experimental, community-led project designed by en.v, which focussed on shifting mindsets of Kuwaiti female employers of domestic workers, through facilitated dialogue.
The State of Kuwait, the European Union and the International Labour Organization join efforts to advance Just Transition ahead of COP-28
A returnee raised her income and improved her skills
Migrant workers who lack proper information usually end up extending their stay, despite their visas having expired, putting them in danger of being classified as irregular/undocumented migrants. Migrants are even more vulnerable in such situations and face numerous challenges, including labour rights violations, abuses, and exploitation.
Workshop explores policy solutions for end-of-service indemnity (EOSI) system in Kuwait
The workshop aimed to inform dialogue around the limitations of current EOSI scheme, and involved workers, employers and relevant government entities in Kuwait in the identification of appropriate policy solutions at the national level.
ILO leads MENA leadership programme to promote a just transition to a green future of work
Worker, employer and government representatives from the region met online to gain a better understanding gained a better understanding of how to shape policies to implement climate change commitments.
News
ILO Constituents Re-affirm the Importance of Social Dialogue as a path towards formalization and Decent Work for Youth in the Middle East and North Africa region
The ILO Constituents agreed to a framework for action in the region on the 2nd day of the first regional meeting of the Social Dialogue for Formalization and Employability in the Southern Neighbourhood Region (SOLIFEM) Project, which took place in Algiers, in collaboration with the Algerian Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security. SOLIFEM is co-financed by the European Union and the ILO.
Kuwait pledges further funds to support decent work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
The new contribution of US $500,000 from the Kuwait representation in Geneva will support implementation of the Palestinian Decent Work Programme.
The ILO helps re-energize the Migrant Workers Office at the Kuwait Trade Union Federation
The ILO launched a bi-monthly meeting programme at the Kuwait Trade Union Federation, convening migrant workers, representing at least sixteen migrant communities in Kuwait, and various national trade union leaders and coordinators, to discuss key challenges in labour migration in the country.
ILO and SDC launch new programme to protect migrant workers in vulnerable situations in the Arab States, with a focus on workers from Africa
The FAIRWAY Programme, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and implemented by ILO, responds to the need to ensure decent work for migrant workers, including in sectors where they are at high risk of exploitation, such as in domestic work, construction and hospitality, and will support interregional collaboration between countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Arab States pledge to reduce gender pay gap in the region
The joint ILO, UN Women and OECD Equal Pay International Coalition (EPIC) saw high-level offcials from across the Arab States reigion commit to pay equity between women and men
FAIRWAY produces easy-to-read factsheets on laws governing migrant workers in the Arab States
The ILO’s FAIRWAY Project has mapped out the key legal provisions dealing with migrant workers in English across eight Arab countries to provide greater access to information for the general public.
South-South and Triangular Cooperation Knowledge Sharing Workshop
The Beirut workshop focused on mainstreaming Decent Work in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Arab Region
ILO fosters South-South cooperation on decent work and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
The workshop brought together tripartite constituents from six Arab States to exchange country experiences to integrate sustainable development goals, decent work and employment into the national policy planning processes.
Middle East and North Africa
Conflict and mass displacement increase child labour
Conflict and crisis in the Middle East and North Africa has led to an increase in child labour across the region, including in children’s involvement in armed conflict and other illicit activities, a new report finds.
Domestic workers
“Thank you Soma”: ILO documentary explores relationship between migrant domestic workers and Arab youth
On the occasion of International Migrants Day, the ILO premieres a new documentary that aims to challenge common perceptions about migrant domestic workers.
Domestic workers
“Thank you Soma - شكراَ صوما”: ILO documentary explores relationship between migrant domestic workers and Arab youth
On the occasion of International Migrants Day (18 December), the ILO will premiere a new documentary film that aims to change the narrative about migrant domestic workers in the Arab States region.
Kuwait and ILO sign the country’s first Decent Work Programme
The ILO and tripartite partners sign the Programme into force at a ceremony in Kuwait City.