Struggles of Migrant Workers in Kuwait Amid Housing Crisis

Struggles of Migrant Workers in Kuwait

On a sweltering summer afternoon in Kuwait, with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit, four Indian migrant workers found themselves standing bewildered by the roadside, their meager belongings crammed into tattered bags. Among them was Suresh Kumar, a 52-year-old laborer, who along with his roommates, had just faced eviction amid a government crackdown on illegal housing following a tragic fire in June that claimed the lives of 49 migrant workers, the majority being Indian nationals.

The four men had been residing in a cramped 172-square-foot room located on the ground floor of an apartment building, a space deemed illegal by local authorities due to safety regulations. Following the fire, which highlighted the perilous living conditions of many migrant workers, the building’s owner was compelled to demolish their room. Now, they found themselves homeless, grappling with uncertainty about their next steps.

Kuwait, nestled along the Persian Gulf, stands as one of the wealthiest nations globally, boasting a staggering $980 billion sovereign wealth fund fueled by its vast oil reserves. However, the reality for migrant workers like Mr. Kumar and his companions starkly contrasts with the nation’s affluence. These workers frequently endure substandard living conditions and meager wages, facing significant obstacles when seeking justice or support.

Mr. Kumar and his friends were employed as construction workers, subcontracted for various projects tied to Kuwait’s state oil and refining enterprises. They revealed that their collective budget allowed them to pay only about $325 in rent for their shared accommodation. With the cost of an entire apartment exceeding double that amount, they were left with no choice but to search for another cramped room, fully aware that their new living situation might be no safer or more comfortable than the one they had just lost.

The devastating fire in June, which engulfed a seven-story building housing nearly 200 migrant workers, sent shockwaves through the community and prompted widespread outrage. In the aftermath of this calamity, there was an unprecedented public discourse regarding the unsafe housing conditions that many migrant workers faced. Government inspectors were dispatched to issue building code violations, aiming to prevent further tragedies and raise awareness about the plight of these vulnerable individuals.

The building that succumbed to flames in June remains a haunting reminder of the risks faced by migrant workers in Kuwait City.