On this page, you will find:
To find organisations working for LGBTQI+ rights, visit our Kuwait LGBTQI+ Resources page.
For Kuwait country of origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents visit our Kuwait COI page.
Refugee protection
Click here to see the numbers and origins of refugees hosted by Kuwait.
The following sections contain information on the most important international treaties and agreements of which Kuwait is signatory, as well as national legislation relevant to the protection of refugees.
Kuwait is not a State party to the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol. Additionally, Kuwait has not accepted the UN Statelessness Conventions.
There are no national laws or administrative regulations governing the status of asylum-seekers or refugees. All non-citizens in Kuwait fall under national immigration laws.
The Nationality Law on the residence of foreigners in the country dates back to 1959 and continues to govern the residence and employment of migrants through the sponsorship system which requires that every foreign resident be sponsored by a local employer.
Additionally, Kuwait’s labour law for the private sector was passed in 2010. The law affords new protections to both national and foreign workers in the country and is in better alignment with international standards.
Legal aid organisations
Website
Address: UN House West Mishref – block 6, West Mishref – block 6, Al Qouse Street – Diplomatic Square, (in front of Australian University), Kuwait City, Kuwait
Tel: +965 25308000
Email: Kuwku@unhcr.org
Since its presence in Kuwait in 1991, the UNHCR has been carrying out activities focusing on protection and resource mobilization, including legal support for migrants and refugees in Kuwait. UNHCR has been working closely with counterparts at the concerned departments from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior to enhance protection measures and prevent potential deportations of people of concern. UNHCR also provides people of concern with youth development and professional skills, including internship opportunities through partnerships. In addition, through refugee status determination, learning and development, and community-based protection, UNHCR continues to pursue durable solutions like complementary pathways for refugees.
Organisations providing other support to refugees
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Address: P.O.Box 1359, Safat Code No. 13014
Tel: +965 24 81 80 84 or +965 24 81 80 85
Email: info@krcs.org.kw
The Kuwait Red Crescent Society provides social and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable members of society in Kuwait, including migrants and refugees.
Kuwait LGBTQI+ Resources
Find organisations working for refugee LGBTQI+ rights in Kuwait.
Kuwait COI
Find Kuwait Country of Origin information (COI) experts, reports, commentaries, and relevant documents.
We are always looking to expand the resources on our platform. If you know about relevant resources, or you are aware of organisations and/or individuals to include in our directories, please get in touch.
Last updated May 2023