Allegations of Torture and Discrimination Raise Tensions in Kuwait

A Kuwaiti court recently convicted 22 Shia citizens and an Iranian national of offenses based on accusations of espionage and the intention to undertake “hostile acts” on behalf of Iran and Hezbollah, reportedly leading to an escalation of sectarian tensions in Kuwait. The charges came after security forces raided several farmhouses along the Iraqi border and[…]

Spotlight on Oman: A Move to Protect Migrant Domestic Workers

Migrant domestic workers are set to receive greater protection in Oman, according to an announcement made last week by Oman’s Ministry of Manpower. On April 27, the advisor to the Minister of Manpower, Salem Al Saadi, told the Times of Oman that the government is planning to legalize the rights of migrant domestic workers (MDWs)[…]

Spotlight on Kuwait: Workers’ Rights in Economic Slump

In Kuwait last week, thousands of Kuwaiti oil and gas industry workers launched a three-day strike in protest over cuts to their wages and benefits. The protest marked a clear sign of how low-waged workers, such as nationals employed in the oil fields as well as other migrant workers employed in the construction and service[…]

Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith Reappears in UAE Court after Eight Months of Enforced Disappearance

After nearly eight months of enforced disappearance, the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken prominent Emirati economist and political activist Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith before the State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi. On 18 August 2015, Emirati officials arrested Dr. Nasser bin Ghaith from his work place[…]

Spotlight on Qatar: Labor Rights & Corporate Complicity

Rajan, a migrant worker from Nepal, is currently building the biggest shopping mall in Doha, Qatar. He recently told The Guardian that his employer confiscated his passport and cut his salary last summer.  He alleges that his employer, a subsidiary of a major U.K.-based construction firm, has prohibited him from leaving the country. When he[…]