Kuwait Implements Stricter Work Permit Rules for Foreign Workers

In a recent move to streamline and regulate labour procedures, Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) in Kuwair has announced a new rules affecting the issuance, renewal, and amendment of work permits.

Acting Director General Marzouq Al-Otaibi has approved the implementation of updated procedures for verifying the academic qualifications and professional titles of migrant workers, including GCC Nationals and Bedoun workers.

This new regulation applies to all transactions made through Kuwait’s As-hal portal or the Sahel Business app — both widely used digital platforms for managing labour services.

Key Changes to Work Permit Application Process

The new circular requires authorities to assess work permits based on three academic qualification criteria:

• Educational level (Doctorate, Master’s, Bachelor’s, or Diploma)
• Field of specialization (e.g., Biochemistry, Commercial Law)
• Status of qualification (unrecognized, preliminary recognition, administrative recognition, or full accreditation)

These measures are part of a larger effort to ensure that the profession listed on the work permit aligns with the applicant’s academic background.

Verification Will Be Largely Automated

According to the updated manual, labour department employees are responsible for confirming the compatibility between the job title and the academic specialization.

Meanwhile, the system will automatically verify both the educational level and the accreditation status via the Ministry of Higher Education’s equivalency database.

The system triggers the requirement to upload academic certificates only when it detects the need for additional documentation.

Stricter Controls for Engineering and Regulated Professions

The regulation draws a distinction between engineering and non-engineering professions:

• Engineering professions: Approval is verified automatically through the system. The system instantly rejects applications that lack valid approvals and electronically attaches a confirmation of approval to accepted applications.
• Non-engineering professions: Employers must upload prior approval documents as part of the application process if the job role requires it.

This policy allows authorities to approve only qualified candidates for regulated positions, preserving the integrity of skilled labour in the country.

Work Permit Renewals Made Easier for Some

Despite the stricter measures, some procedures have been simplified:

• Renewals for existing foreign workers
• Renewals for GCC nationals
• Renewals for legal residents in Kuwait

If the renewal is for the same profession, these services do not require uploading academic certificates or approval documents, making the process more efficient for employers and employees alike.

How This Impacts Foreign Workers in Kuwait

These new rules are expected to have a significant impact on expatriate workers, especially those in professions that require formal academic qualifications.

• Increased Scrutiny: Workers must ensure their academic qualifications are accurately documented and recognized by the Kuwaiti government.
• Potential Delays: Those with unrecognized or improperly documented qualifications may face delays or rejection of their work permit applications.
• Professional Alignment: workers must ensure their profession and field of study align.
• Engineers: Engineers will have the most automated and strict approval process.
• Reduced Paperwork(In some cases): For renewals, the system is now automated, creating less paperwork.

Also Read: Kuwait Relaunches e-Visa Platform: Easier Travel for 53 Countries

What Employers in Kuwait Need to Know

Kuwaiti businesses employing foreign labour must ensure that:

• Applicants meet the academic and professional standards outlined in the new circular
• All documentation is correctly uploaded through the Ashal or Sahel Business platforms
• Prior approvals are secured for non-automated professions

Failure to comply could lead to automatic rejections of work permit applications, causing hiring delays and staffing issues.

A Quick Look at the Kuwait Work Permit System

Kuwait’s work permit system is essential for all foreign nationals seeking legal employment in the country. Permits are tied to a specific employer and profession and are managed by the Public Authority for Manpower.

Foreign workers generally need:

• A valid employment offer
• A residency visa
• Ministry of Health clearance
• An attested academic certificate, especially for professional roles

Employers serve as sponsors and are responsible for initiating the work permit process through authorized platforms like Ashal and Sahel Business.

Also Read: Kuwait to Enforce Stricter Fines for Visa Violations Starting January 5

Final Thoughts

Kuwait’s new academic qualification rules signal a clear effort to professionalize its labour force and ensure that workers’ credentials match their job titles. While this may pose challenges for some foreign workers, it also presents an opportunity to improve labour standards and transparency.

Employers and job seekers alike must adapt to the digital and regulatory shift to avoid disruptions and remain compliant.

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