Latest news with #PAM
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Moves to Protect Expat Workers' Rights with New Enforcement
KUWAIT CITY, July 17: Under the directives of the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah to monitor the enforcement of the Cabinet's decision on the timely payment of workers' salaries and wages, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) recently suspended several files of private businesses and companies that have been late in paying their workers' salaries or in depositing them regularly in local banks. They affirmed that this measure aims to protect workers' legal rights, which is a top priority for PAM. The sources explained that the suspension does not prevent the renewal of workers' files, nor does it block their transfer to another employer whose file is not suspended. This step is taken under Article 57 of Law No. 6/2010 concerning labor in the private sector, which states that 'an employer who hires no fewer than five workers, as per the law's provisions, is obligated to deposit their salaries into accounts at local financial institutions and submit copies of the bank statements to PAM.' The first phase of suspension targeted non-compliant business owners and companies in the private sector, based on the employer's commitment through PAM's automated systems to adhere to the requirements of the aforementioned article. This serves as a precautionary warning. While emphasizing that the suspension is primarily a warning to employers to ensure timely salary transfers to local financial institutions, the sources stressed that, under direct orders from Minister Sheikh Fahad, PAM will not tolerate any harm to Kuwait's reputation in human rights, especially regarding the rights of expatriate workers. They explained that PAM warned companies that fail to pay their workers' salaries regularly that immediate legal action will be taken against them. It affirmed its continued monitoring of employers to ensure full compliance with salary payment and deposit requirements in accordance with the Labor Law. Once the conditions are met, the suspension will be automatically lifted from the company or employer without the need for further review. Regarding the suspension of files and renewals, the sources clarified that suspending a company's file does not prevent the renewal of its workers' permits nor their transfer to a nonsuspended employer's file. This ensures that workers are not harmed or end up being in violation of residency laws. However, suspending an employer's file also halts the addition of new workers and the processing of need assessment requests until the employer's legal status with the Authority is rectified. The employer must fully commit to transferring workers' salaries to their accounts and provide reasons for any delays or failures through PAM's automated system via the 'Ashal' service. Suspending a file also means suspending the addition of new workers and the processing of need assessment procedures. It is worth highlighting that in October 2024, Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef stressed that he would take firm action against all companies violating the Cabinet's decision on the timely payment of salaries and wages to their workers.
Morocco World
2 days ago
- Business
- Morocco World
PAM Leadership Receives Jacob Zuma
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, coordinator of PAM's collective leadership, which also includes Minister of Culture Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, met with Zuma to discuss prospects for strengthening cooperation and partnership between the two political formations and their respective countries on various matters of mutual interest. Speaking to the press following the meeting, Zuma described the talks with PAM officials as 'fruitful and forward-looking,' highlighting the leading roles Morocco and South Africa can play in advancing development across the African continent. Zuma also commended Morocco's economic progress, describing the country as one of the most dynamic economies on the continent. He further emphasized the need for African countries to unite, take ownership of their development and destiny, and fully leverage their resources free from foreign interference. Zuma stressed the importance of engaging younger generations in shaping Africa's future, noting that the two parties agreed to exchange visits and establish a platform for dialogue and consultation on issues of shared concern. In a similar statement, El Mansouri said the meeting formed part of parallel diplomacy efforts aimed at bolstering cooperative ties, particularly with countries in southern Africa. She noted that the approach aligns with the far-sighted vision of King Mohammed VI to strengthen South-South cooperation as a strategic choice for the Kingdom, to build a shared future based on cooperation, solidarity, and integration among peoples. El Mansouri also noted that the position expressed by Zuma's party in support of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara represents a major boost to joint efforts between the two countries and their respective political forces. Earlier in the week, following his talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Nasser Bourita, Zuma said his party considers Morocco's autonomy plan 'a pathway to meaningful local governance for the populations of the Sahara region, while preserving Morocco's sovereignty over the territory.' MWN with MAP
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab Times
No Salary Transfers? No New Hires—Kuwait Suspends Private Sector Files
KUWAIT CITY, July 16: Official sources stated that the recent suspension of some private sector company files was due to violations of Kuwait's private sector labor law and its amended regulations. These regulations mandate that employers with five or more workers must transfer employee salaries through banks. The sources clarified that the first phase of the suspension targeted non-compliant employers as a precautionary measure, aimed at urging them to comply with salary transfer requirements. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) will continue monitoring employers to ensure full adherence to the law. They further noted that enforcement actions are being carried out under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, in line with Cabinet decisions to ensure timely wage payments. The sources emphasized Kuwait's commitment to protecting its international reputation, particularly concerning human rights and the treatment of expatriate workers. Importantly, they assured that suspending an employer's file does not impact the ability to renew permits for existing employees or transfer them to compliant employers. This ensures that workers are not penalized or rendered in violation of residency laws. In conclusion, the sources explained that suspension of an employer's file halts the hiring of new workers and the workforce needs assessment process until the employer rectifies their legal status. This includes transferring salaries and entering the necessary legal justifications for any non-transfer into PAM's Ashal system.
Gulf Insider
4 days ago
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait Shuts Down 25 Domestic Worker Agencies Amid Crackdown
Kuwaiti authorities have suspended 25 domestic worker recruitment offices for violations of the country's domestic labour laws, as part of a broader nationwide effort to regulate the sector and enforce compliance, local media reported. The suspensions were confirmed by the Domestic Labour Recruitment Regulatory Department at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM), which released May 2025 statistics revealing a dual-track approach: Alongside the 25 licence suspensions, 31 previously suspended offices had their licences reinstated after adjusting their regulatory status. The campaign, led by PAM, underscores Kuwait's efforts to regulate the domestic labour recruitment market, tighten oversight of agencies, and safeguard the rights of both employers and domestic workers. During the same period, PAM received 598 complaints related to recruitment offices, according to official data. The total number of registered domestic labour recruitment offices now stands at 488, with seven new licences issued, 19 renewed, and one licence voluntarily cancelled in May. Officials say enforcement campaigns will continue to target violations and bring greater accountability to a sector long plagued by abuse allegations, paperwork irregularities, and inconsistent labour practices.
Gulf Insider
10-07-2025
- Gulf Insider
Domestic Workers In Kuwait Not Subject To Exit Permit Rule, Manpower Authority Confirms
Domestic workers in Kuwait are not yet required to obtain exit permits to leave the country, the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) confirmed, refuting a wave of misleading reports that circulated widely on social media. In an official statement, the authority described as 'entirely false' reports suggesting that sponsors must secure exit permits for their domestic workers via Sahel, Kuwait's government services app, before travel is permitted. While Kuwait had earlier introduced a system mandating exit permits for private sector workers seeking to travel abroad — a measure intended to regulate labour mobility and ensure contractual compliance — domestic workers remain explicitly excluded from this requirement so far. PAM reiterated that no such travel restrictions or permit procedures apply to them. The exit permit rule took effect on July 1. The inaccurate social media posts claimed that sponsors were required to use the 'Public Authority for Manpower' section of the Sahel app to apply for the exit permit at least one day prior to departure. The posts also alleged that supporting documents had to be uploaded to activate the permit. PAM stated that no such process exists and emphasised that no official procedures concerning exit permits for domestic workers have been launched or announced. The authority urged the public to rely exclusively on official government channels for information and to avoid spreading unverified rumours.
