KUWAIT: The agreements signed by Kuwait are binding, and the State is committed to respecting basic labor rights and is keen on keeping in line with labor legislations , said Social Affairs and Labor Undersecretary Mohammad Al-Kandari yesterday.

Speaking at the opening of a workshop on how to respond to international reports on agreements and recommendations regarding Kuwait's accession to the International Labor Organization (ILO), Al-Kandari said his country's membership in the ILO came before its membership in the UN, as it ratified a total of 19 agreements.

He also pointed out that Kuwait absorbed more than two million incoming expatriate labor workers, adding that it was namely a market that attracting labor thanks to the stability of labor market, the soaring wages compared with some other countries, the tax-exempted wages and the stringent measures applied against the employers who violated work regulations.

He expressed confidence in the ILO's ability to cope with future challenges and its continuing success in devising, upgrading and developing the international labor criteria.

Meanwhile, Director of the International Labor Section at the Geneva-based ILO, Cleopatra D. Henry, told KUNA that she would take advantage of this event to meet officials and organization and labor union delegates in Kuwait to find out their stances on issues they encountered. - Kuwait Times