Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159) - Kuwait (Ratification: 1998)

Articles 2 and 3 of the Convention. National policy on vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities. The Committee notes the information provided by the Government in reply to its previous direct request, including detailed statistical information. The Government indicates that the number of workers with special needs increased from 119 in 2011 to 139 in 2012, and the number of jobseekers with special needs increased from 5 in 2012 to 23 in 2013. The Committee notes that section 14 of Law No. 8 of 2010 concerning Rights of People with Disabilities stipulates that governmental, non-governmental organizations and enterprises in the oil sector employing at least 50 Kuwaiti workers should employ at least 4 per cent of persons with disabilities and the Government may provide incentives to workplaces exceeding the quota. The Government indicates that the Civil Service Office decided to nominate persons with disabilities at different ministries by adapting the procedure of appointment, residence and specialization under the condition of being registered as a privileged category with special conditions. The Government also indicates that the Public Authority for the Disabled adopted the world classification system of disability in accordance with World Health Organization standards, in collaboration with the United National Development Programme, and set up an integrated classification system of disability. The Committee notes that the Public Authority for the Disabled endeavours to integrate persons with disabilities, provide suitable jobs in accordance with the type and degree of disabilities, and provide opportunities of rehabilitation to persons with severe disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to continue providing information, including statistical data, on the implementation of the measures taken under Law No. 8 of 2010 concerning the Rights of People with Disabilities and other measures relating to vocational rehabilitation and employment of persons with disabilities.

Article 7. Services accessible to persons with disabilities. The Committee notes that section 9 of Law No. 8 stipulates that the Government should provide educational services to persons with disabilities, providing aid equipment and specialized pedagogical and occupational staff. Moreover, section 12 commits the Government to providing Rehabilitation and Training Centres and training workshops for persons with disabilities. The Committee invites the Government to provide information on the results of the implementation of the measures taken to provide vocational training, employment and other related services to persons with disabilities under the Law No. 8 of 2010 concerning the Rights of People with Disabilities.

Article 5. Consultation with the social partners. The Committee once again invites the Government to provide information on the manner in which the representative organizations of workers participate in the consultations required by the Convention.