Kuwait Resumes Short-Term Work Visas: Key Details and Updates for Applicants

Foreign workers looking for temporary work possibilities are now welcome in Kuwait. Work permits for government contracts with a duration of less than a year have been reopened by the nation’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM).

The reinstatement of short-term work visas for government contracts with durations under a year has been announced by Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). This new order attempts to address urgent labor shortages in Kuwait’s public sector and is spearheaded by the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah.

An outline of Kuwait’s short-term work visas, application procedures, and most current modifications to the nation’s visa regulations are given in this article.

Kuwait’s Short-Term Work Visas

In Kuwait, a short-term work visa is a short-term authorization that permits foreigners to work on government projects for less than a year. This visa simplifies workforce flexibility for temporary positions and addresses pressing labor shortages in the public sector.

What Are the Implications for Foreign Employees?

For less than a year, foreign nationals can work on government projects in Kuwait with a short-term work visa, which fills short-term labor shortages in the public sector without requiring long-term commitments. The government’s efforts to simplify worker management for temporary requirements are reflected in the announcement, which was issued via PAM’s official X (previously Twitter) account.

Work Visa Requirements for Kuwait

Make sure you fulfill the following documentation requirements if you’re thinking about taking a temporary job offer in Kuwait:

• A valid passport (six months or more from the date of expiration)
• The Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided the completed visa application.
• A current passport-sized photo.
• Medical Requirements: A certificate of health from a qualified physician attesting to good health and the absence of infectious diseases, as well as the results of an HIV/AIDS test.
• A police clearance certificate serves as evidence of a spotless criminal history.

Applicants are granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for entry into Kuwait upon submission of certain documents. Workers must apply for a residency visa and get a Kuwait Civil ID within 30 days of their arrival.

Applying for a Kuwait Work Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Both the Kuwaiti government and the employer must cooperate during the work visa application procedure. This is how it operates:

• Employer Action: The Kuwaiti embassy in your country of residence will get your work permit from your employer.
• Embassy Visit: The employer sends the permit and NOC straight to Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior in the absence of an embassy.
• Entry into Kuwait: After receiving the NOC, you are free to enter Kuwait and apply for a resident visa.

This procedure allows entrance for temporary government-related positions and guarantees adherence to Kuwaiti immigration laws.

Recent Changes to Kuwait’s Visa Policies

In 2023, Kuwait made significant adjustments to its visa regulations to give international employees more freedom. The primary updates are as follows:

• July 2023: New regulations that permit domestic foreign workers to switch to private sector employment were introduced. The purpose of this policy change was to improve employment mobility in Kuwait.
• Transfers from the Government to the Private Sector: Employees of the Government who have worked for a year are now eligible to move to the private sector as of July 14. A transfer fee and required employer clearances are included in this relocation.
• Reopening for Filipino Workers: In June, Kuwait allowed experienced Filipino workers to return after lifting a one-year ban on them due to better working circumstances.

Indian Workforce in Kuwait

About 30% of Kuwait’s employment is made up of Indian nationals, who make up a sizable portion of the workforce. There is a flourishing Indian community in Kuwait, where about 21% of the 4.2 million people are of Indian descent. They work in a variety of fields, such as commerce, IT, engineering, and healthcare.

However, this group is dominated by labor-intensive jobs, with 61% of Indian workers employed in labor-intensive industries.

Minimum Referral Wages (MRW) for Indian Workers

• Pipefitters, drivers, masons, and carpenters: $300 per month.
• Domestic workers and heavy vehicle drivers: slightly higher rates according to occupation.

In cooperation with Indian states with high emigration rates to Kuwait, such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab, the Ministry of External Affairs of India sets the wages.

Conclusion

To meet the critical labor shortage in the public sector, Kuwait has reactivated short-term work visas for government projects, opening up fresh chances for foreign workers. This action demonstrates Kuwait’s adaptable workforce management strategy and creates opportunities for qualified individuals in temporary positions.

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