Visa
Everything You Need to Know As Kuwait Reopens Short-Term Work Visas
Kuwait has opened its doors to foreign workers seeking short-term employment opportunities. The country’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has recently reopened work visas for government contracts that last less than a year.
Kuwait’s Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) has announced the reopening of short-term work visas for government contracts that are under a year in duration.
This new directive, led by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Interior, aims to address immediate labour needs in Kuwait’s public sector.
This article provides an overview of Kuwait’s short-term work visas, application requirements, and recent changes to the country’s visa policies.
Kuwait’s Short-Term Work Visas
A short-term work visa in Kuwait is a temporary permit allowing foreign nationals to work on government projects lasting less than a year. This visa meets urgent labour needs in the public sector and streamlines workforce flexibility for short-term roles.
What Does This Mean for Foreign Workers?
A short-term work visa in Kuwait is a temporary permit for foreign nationals to work on government projects for under a year, addressing immediate labour needs in the public sector without long-term commitments.
The announcement, made through PAM’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, reflects the government’s efforts to streamline workforce management for short-term needs.
Work Visa Requirements for Kuwait
If you’re considering a short-term work opportunity in Kuwait, ensure you meet the following documentation requirements:
- Valid Passport: Must have at least six months before expiry.
- Completed Visa Application: Provided by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Passport Photo: A recent passport-sized photo.
- Medical Requirements: An HIV/AIDS test result and a health certificate from a recognized doctor confirming good health and the absence of contagious diseases.
- Police Clearance Certificate: Proof of a clean criminal record.
Once these documents are submitted, applicants receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for entry into Kuwait. After arriving, workers are required to apply for a residency visa and obtain a Kuwait Civil ID within 30 days.
Applying for a Kuwait Work Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
The work visa application process involves collaboration between the employer and the Kuwaiti government. Here’s how it works:
- Employer Action: Your employer will send your work permit to the Kuwaiti embassy in your home country.
- Embassy Visit: In cases where there’s no Kuwaiti embassy, the employer submits the permit and NOC directly to Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior.
- Entry into Kuwait: Upon obtaining the NOC, you can enter Kuwait and follow up with a residency visa application.
This process ensures compliance with Kuwaiti immigration regulations and facilitates entry for temporary government-related roles.
Recent Changes to Kuwait’s Visa Policies
Kuwait has made notable changes to its visa policies in 2023, aiming to create greater flexibility for foreign workers. Here are the main updates:
1. July 2023: New rules were introduced allowing foreign workers in the domestic sector to transition to private-sector jobs. This policy adjustment was designed to enhance job mobility within Kuwait.
2. Government to Private Sector Transfers: Since July 14, government sector employees who have completed one year of employment can now transfer to the private sector. This move includes a transfer fee and necessary employer approvals.
3. Reopening for Filipino Workers: In June, Kuwait lifted its year-long ban on Filipino workers following improved labour conditions, enabling the re-entry of experienced Filipino workers.
Indian Workforce in Kuwait
Indian nationals form a significant part of Kuwait’s workforce, making up about 30% of the country’s total labour force.
With around 21% of Kuwait’s 4.2 million population of Indian origin, the country has a thriving Indian community employed across various sectors, including engineering, healthcare, IT, and business.
Labour-intensive roles, however, dominate this demographic, with 61% of the Indian workforce involved in labour sectors.
- Carpenters, Masons, Drivers, Pipefitters: Starting at $300/month.
- Heavy Vehicle Drivers and Domestic Workers: Slightly higher rates based on occupation.
The wages are determined by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Indian states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab, which have high emigration rates to Kuwait.
Conclusion
Kuwait’s reactivation of short-term work visas for government projects provides new opportunities for foreign workers, addressing urgent labour needs in the public sector. This move reflects Kuwait’s flexible approach to workforce management, opening doors for skilled professionals in short-term roles.