The current global financial meltdown has not affected the labour market in Kuwait directly, unlike in other countries, revealed a senior labour official in Kuwait this week.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 36th Arab Labour Conference, Social Affairs and Labour Undersecretary, Mohammad Al-Kandari said that the body responsible for receiving foreign workers is continuing to receive foreign labour recruitment applications, and there has been no major layoff in Kuwait.

The Kuwaiti private sector has about 1.1mn foreign workers, while 500,000 others are working in the government sector.

Kuwait has participated in the Summit with a delegation, representing the government, employees and employers. This seven-day conference is a good opportunity for participants to share views on the manner in which to alleviate ramifications due to global financial meltdown on Arab labour markets.

About 430 representatives from regional, Arab and international organizations are attending the gathering.