Latest news with #PublicAuthorityforManpower
Arab Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Arab Times
New rule adds KD 150 fee to work permits and worker transfers
KUWAIT CITY, June 4: First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef issued Ministerial Resolution No. 4 of 2025, amending Resolution No. 3 of 2024. The changes affect work permit procedures, worker transfers, and fees. The new resolution cancels Article Two of Resolution No. 3 of 2024, which exempted certain sectors from paying additional fees for work permits based on need and approval by the Public Authority for Manpower. With the cancellation of this article, all previously exempted entities must now pay an additional KD 150 fee for each work permit, whether for new employment or worker transfers. Entities affected include government-owned companies; hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities licensed by the Ministry of Health; private universities, colleges, and schools; and foreign investors approved by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority. Other affected sectors are sports clubs, federations, public benefit associations, cooperatives, labor unions, charities and endowments, agricultural plots licensed by the General Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries, hunting, livestock pens, grazing operations, commercial and investment real estate, industrial establishments, and small industries. The resolution also cancels Article Five of the 2024 decision, which required the Public Authority for Manpower's Board to prepare a study on the resolution's impact within one year and submit it, with recommendations, to the relevant minister. The new resolution signals a significant policy shift toward standardizing fees and tightening control over labor permit issuance and worker transfers across both public and private sectors.
Arab Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait Ends Fee Exemptions for Work Visa Transfers
KUWAIT CITY, Jun 4: Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Al-Youssef, has issued Ministerial Resolution No. 4 of 2025, introducing key amendments to the country's work permit regulations. The new resolution modifies provisions of Ministerial Resolution No. 3 of 2024, specifically targeting the mechanism for issuing work permits, the transfer of workers recruited under these permits, and the applicable fees. A major change includes the repeal of Article Two of the 2024 resolution, which previously exempted certain activities and sectors from paying additional fees for work permits based on manpower needs, as approved by the Public Authority for Manpower. Under the revised regulations, an additional fee of KD 150 will now be charged for each work permit granted on a case-by-case basis, eliminating earlier exemptions. The revised fee structure will apply to the following sectors and entities: Government-owned companies Hospitals, clinics, and medical centers licensed by the Ministry of Health Private universities, colleges, and schools Foreign investors accredited by the Investment Promotion Authority Sports clubs and federations Public benefit associations, cooperative societies, labor unions, charities, and endowments Licensed agricultural plots, including activities such as hunting, livestock pens, sheep and camel grazing Commercial and investment properties Industrial facilities and small-scale industries Additionally, the resolution abolishes Article Five, which had required the Public Authority for Manpower's Board of Directors to conduct a one-year impact study on the implementation of the 2024 decision. This move effectively cancels the need for a formal review and recommendation process previously mandated by the board. The decision reflects a broader effort by Kuwaiti authorities to standardize labor market practices and enhance regulatory oversight across the public and private sectors.
Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Kuwait's Midday Outdoor Work Ban Takes Effect Sunday Amid Extreme Summer Heat
The midday ban on outdoor work in Kuwait has come into effect today (Sunday) and will remain in place until the end of August, as the country experiences soaring summer temperatures — among the highest in the region. The Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) announced that the ban applies daily from 11am to 4pm during the months of June, July, and August. The regulation, issued under Administrative Resolution No. 535/2015, is intended to protect labourers from heat stress and other health risks associated with extreme weather conditions. Inspection teams will conduct unannounced visits to construction sites and other outdoor workplaces to ensure compliance. Employers found violating the midday work ban will face legal penalties, including possible fines and suspension of operations. Authorities have urged companies to adjust work schedules accordingly and prioritise worker safety, emphasising the importance of adhering to national health and labour standards during the summer months.
Arab Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
PAM Cracks Down on Violations: 16 Labor Office Licenses Suspended
KUWAIT CITY, May 27: The Domestic Labor Recruitment and Regulation Department at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) revealed that the total number of domestic labor recruitment offices registered with the authority has reached 482, reports Al-Anba daily. According to the latest statistics from the authority, the department received 462 complaints from domestic workers, employers and recruitment offices. As a result, 16 office licenses were suspended, while suspensions were lifted for 18 others. Three new professional licenses were issued and 10 licenses were renewed. In another development, the authority confirmed the launching of a training program for Kuwaiti youths -- aged 18 to 24, in collaboration with the Kuwaiti Injaz Association. The program features a guidance session titled 'My Path to Professionalism' from May 26-28 at the PAM theater in Al-Riqqa. The session aims to equip participants with essential workplace skills, including written and verbal communication, time management, leadership fundamentals, and job interview techniques.
Arab Times
24-05-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Know Kuwait Law: How To Safely Resign Despite Deportation Threats
Resigning from a job in Kuwait can be a stressful experience for many expatriates, especially when faced with resistance—or worse, threats—from their sponsors or employers. In some cases, employees who seek better opportunities and higher pay are met with intimidation, including warnings of deportation or blocked visa transfers. Others may unknowingly leave their job without completing proper legal formalities, only to discover later that they have been reported as absconding or blacklisted, making it impossible to get a new visa. Understanding Kuwait's labor laws, knowing your rights, and following the correct procedures for resignation, final settlement, and residency cancellation are crucial to ensure a smooth and lawful exit from the country, or a successful transfer to a new employer. This guide answers key legal questions about resigning in Kuwait, dealing with sponsor threats, avoiding legal traps, and safely navigating the exit or transfer process. Can Your Sponsor Legally Threaten You with Deportation for Resigning? No. Under Kuwait Labor Law, employees have the right to resign with notice, and employers or sponsors cannot legally deport you for seeking better employment. Threats of deportation are a form of intimidation and are considered a violation of labor rights. If your sponsor issues such threats, you can report them to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). Step-by-Step Guide for Employees Denied a Release in Kuwait 1. Check Eligibility for Release Without Sponsor Consent Under current labor laws, you can obtain a release without employer/sponsor approval in some cases, such as: Employer violates terms of the contract or labor law (e.g., delayed salaries, poor working conditions). Non-renewal of work permit after expiry. Employer reports employee as 'absent' without cause (can be challenged). Completion of contract period (after 3 years, especially in private sector). Business closure or legal violations by the employer. 2. File a Complaint with the Ministry of Labor (PAM) Go to the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) office in your area. Submit a complaint against your employer (called a Shakwa in Arabic). You'll be assigned a date for a hearing/mediation. Documents needed: Civil ID Work permit Residency copy Contract copy Evidence of misconduct (if applicable, e.g., unpaid salaries) 3. Mediation or Legal Hearing PAM will first attempt to mediate between you and the employer. If the employer still refuses and you're legally entitled, PAM may approve your transfer to a new sponsor without the employer's consent. 4. Seek a Court Ruling (if needed) If PAM cannot resolve the case, you may file it in the labor court. Courts often rule in favor of the employee if there is proof of exploitation, unpaid wages, or contract completion What To Do If an Employer Threatens an Employee If an employer in Kuwait threatens to deport you for looking for another job or requesting a release/transfer, this is a serious violation of your labor rights, and you are legally protected under Kuwaiti labor law. Here's what you can—and should—do: 1. Know This First: Deportation is Not Legal Without Cause. Your sponsor cannot arbitrarily deport you for looking for another job, especially if: You're not violating the terms of your contract. You're not committing any criminal offense. You're following proper legal steps for transfer or resignation. Kuwaiti labor laws and international labor protections do not allow employers to use deportation as a threat or punishment for seeking better employment. 2. Document the Threats Keep screenshots, messages, emails, or voice recordings (if possible and legal). Note down dates, times, and exact wording used by the employer. This can serve as evidence if the matter escalates or you need to file a complaint. 3. File a Complaint at the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) Go to your regional PAM office (Ministry of Labor). File a Shakwa (complaint) against your employer. Mention the threats of deportation and provide any evidence you have. PAM will summon your employer for a hearing or mediation session. PAM has the authority to stop unlawful deportatio n and allow you to transfer sponsorship if you're being harassed or threatened. 4. Contact Your Embassy If threats escalate or you feel unsafe: Contact your country's embassy in Kuwait immediately. Embassies often provide legal assistance, help with shelter, and liaise with Kuwaiti authorities to protect you. 5. Seek Help from NGOs or Legal Aid Groups Organizations such as the Kuwait Society for Human Rights or other expat support groups may offer guidance, translators, or legal referrals. Important Reminders: - Never leave your job without filing a complaint first, or your employer could falsely report you as 'absconding.' - An absconding report is serious, but it can be challenged and canceled through PAM if filed maliciously. - If your residency is still valid and you're not violating laws, you cannot be deported legally without due process. Threatening deportation is abuse of power. Kuwait's laws protect workers, especially in the private sector, and you have the right to change jobs and live free from intimidation.
