Despite Kuwait’s wealth and robust welfare system, poverty eradication in Kuwait remains a pressing issue, particularly among expatriates. While every Kuwaiti citizen get support from the government, with no reports of poverty in the country from the World Bank, expatriates—who remit approximately $4 billion annually—face stark inequalities. Many low-income foreign workers live in conditions that could be considered below the poverty line, despite labor laws meant to protect their rights. These workers often endure overcrowded housing, abuse, non-payment of salaries, and limited access to basic services. Although every expatriate is supposed to arrive with a guaranteed job, thousands live jobless in the country, contributing to a growing sense of neglect and exploitation.

Dilapidated areas, begging and the exploitation of household helpers have tarnished Kuwait’s image. Despite discussions around eliminating the sponsorship system, the issue persists, with companies exploiting loopholes and underpaying workers. Strikes, unpaid wages and the need for charitable donations for basic necessities reflect the failure to enforce labor protections, according to Times Kuwait. While there should be no poor people in Kuwait by law, the reality for many expatriates tells a different story. In response, poverty eradication in Kuwait has become a priority, with several innovative programs focused on expanding social protection, fostering public-private partnerships, empowering youth, managing water resources and addressing energy poverty. Each initiative reflects Kuwait’s commitment to poverty eradication despite its wealth.

Expanding Social Protection Programs

Kuwait has expanded its social protection programs under Public Assistance Law 12/2011, administered by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA). These programs provide financial assistance, health care and education to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, widows, orphans and low-income families. Since its implementation, the law has supported thousands of families, ensuring basic living standards and contributing to poverty eradication in Kuwait. In line with SDG 1 (No Poverty), MOSA’s initiatives have supported 2,030 families locally and 316,701 poor families abroad, while employing 14,518 previously unemployed youths, according to a 2019 report. Collaboration with organizations like Bayt Al Zakat has also strengthened poverty eradication in Kuwait, particularly through housing subsidies and health care services for vulnerable groups.

Expanding Public-Private Partnerships

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are a key component of poverty eradication in Kuwait. The Kuwait Authority for Partnership Projects (KAPP) oversees initiatives like the Shagaya Renewable Energy Park, which generates clean energy and creates job opportunities, according to a 2019 report. By reducing energy costs, this project helps low-income families afford utilities, contributing to poverty eradication. These partnerships highlight the private sector’s role in supporting poverty eradication in Kuwait, leveraging private resources to benefit public welfare and improve living conditions for marginalized communities.

Clarified Youth Empowerment Initiatives

Youth empowerment is vital to poverty eradication in Kuwait. Initiatives like the 2018 SDG workshops, organized by the International Youth Federation (IYF), aim to foster leadership and innovation among young Kuwaitis. These workshops equip participants with the skills to address poverty at the community level. By creating social enterprises that offer affordable education and health services, young Kuwaitis contribute directly to poverty eradication efforts in their neighborhoods. Empowering the youth to actively participate in poverty eradication in Kuwait is essential for building a more equitable future.

Water Desalination Initiatives

Kuwait’s efforts in poverty eradication are closely tied to its water management strategies, particularly given the nation’s challenges with low groundwater levels, which renew at a rate of less than 70 mm per year. To address this, Kuwait has increasingly depended on cross-border groundwater and, more importantly, established seawater desalination facilities. Desalination now accounts for 93% of Kuwait’s drinking water, providing a vital resource for its growing population and urbanization. By ensuring access to clean water, desalination plays a key role in poverty eradication in Kuwait, supporting both domestic needs and irrigation for agricultural development. This strategy not only alleviates the strain on natural resources but also fosters economic stability, which is essential for long-term poverty eradication in Kuwait.

Decent Work and Economic Growth

Kuwait’s focus on decent work and economic growth is critical for poverty eradication in Kuwait, particularly as the country transitions away from its heavy reliance on the oil sector. Fluctuations in oil prices have historically impacted Kuwait’s GDP, as seen when the GDP per capita dropped from $10,113 in 2012 to $9,208.8 in 2016 due to a decline in oil prices. Furthermore, the employee per capita share of GDP decreased from $85,200 to $75,640 over the same period.

To mitigate such risks and reduce the vulnerability of its economy, Kuwait established the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) in 2013 to attract both local and foreign investment. This move not only diversifies income sources but also fosters economic resilience, thereby contributing to poverty eradication in Kuwait. Moreover, The Public Authority of Manpower (PAM), established in 2017, supports small and medium entrepreneurs, streamlines access to government tenders and promotes equitable employment. PAM enforces laws requiring at least 4% of staff in private companies to be persons with disabilities and collaborates on vocational training for women in low-income households. These efforts diversify the economy, foster inclusivity and strengthen economic resilience, crucial for poverty eradication in Kuwait.

Conclusion

Kuwait’s comprehensive approach to poverty eradication includes expanded social protection programs, public-private partnerships, youth empowerment, and technological solutions. By focusing on community engagement and sustainability, the country is making significant strides in reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for its vulnerable populations. These efforts underscore Kuwait’s commitment to poverty eradication and addressing social inequalities despite its considerable wealth.

– Laila Alaya

Laila is based in Abuja, Nigeria and focuses on World News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

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