Kuwait eases restrictions on recruiting workers from abroad

Kuwait has decided to ease restrictions on recruiting workers from abroad to revamp its labour permit system for overcoming labour shortages at home and lowering hire costs.

Citing Kuwaiti media, Gulf News said the board of the Kuwaiti Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) took the decision recently.

The decision will come into effect on June 1.

As per the new decision, Gulf News said, “Employers will be allowed to recruit workers from abroad without being obligated to first transfer the existing manpower inside Kuwait.”

“Previously, employers were obligated to meet their labour needs through worker transfers inside the country and recruit certain portions from abroad.”

“In an attempt to maintain labour stability at home, the approved changes incorporate a new fee arrangement for issuing work permits,” The report said.

“Accordingly, an initial work permit is issued for KD150. A fee of KD300 is levied for transferring a worker from one company to another within the first three years of employment. The transfer hinges on the employer’s consent.”

The restriction aims to curb the illegal visa trade and stabilise the labour market environment as well as reduce the workforce costs.

Late last year, Kuwait allowed private sector workers in the country to take on a second job with the approval of their original employer.