Kuwait is set to enforce significant changes to its expatriate residency law starting June 1, introducing new regulations for work permits aimed at enhancing immigration processes and regulations, Wego has learned.
Announced by top officials including Sheikh Fahad Yousef Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, these amendments allow foreigners to stay in Kuwait for up to two months without a residence permit from their entry date. During this period, foreigners must apply for either regular or temporary residency, managed separately by the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) and the Residency Affairs General Department in the Interior Ministry, respectively.
The revisions mark a pivotal shift in Kuwait’s approach to expatriate residency and work permits, reflecting ongoing efforts to streamline immigration procedures.
Key Changes in Work Permit Rules
Accompanying the updated residency law, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) has issued a ministerial decision outlining new mechanisms for work permits:
Article 1: Employers must obtain work permits based on a specified need estimate, following approval from the relevant department of PAM. An additional fee of KD 150 per work permit is required under this decision.
Article 2: Certain categories are exempt from the additional fee, including government-owned companies, licensed medical facilities, educational institutions, approved foreign investors, sports clubs, and charitable organizations.
Article 3: Transfer of migrant workers between employers is permitted under specific conditions and for a fee of KD 300, prior to the expiration of three years from the original permit issuance.
Article 4: The Director General of PAM may issue administrative decisions and circulars to enforce these provisions.
Article 5: PAM’s Board of Directors will conduct a study within one year of implementation to assess the decision’s impact and propose recommendations.
Article 6: Suspension of certain previous ministerial resolutions related to fees and permit categories during the effective period of this decision.
Article 7: These regulations take effect from June 1, 2024, for one year, and will be published in the official gazette for implementation by relevant authorities.
These updates are aimed at facilitating smoother processes for expatriates and employers alike, aligning with Kuwait’s goals of enhancing regulatory efficiency and attracting skilled foreign workers.
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